NEW ORLEANS – On their birthday cake this year, Cooper DeJean and Saquon Barkley had the Lombardi Trophy.
It was an especially memorable affair for DeJean, who turned 22 and intercepted Patrick Mahomes in the second quarter for his first career pick. He then returned it 38 yards – putting his expertise as the team’s punt returner to good use – for a touchdown to make it 17-0 and tip the balance of the game for good. He became the first player in Super Bowl history to intercept a pass or score a touchdown on his birthday.
All DeJean thought during the return, he said after the Eagles dismantled the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22, was “score a touchdown.” He patiently waited for his fellow defenders to clear out the chasing Chiefs’ offensive linemen, who really had no chance, and the former University of Iowa standout’s speed took care of the rest.
‘The kid made a great play,’ Mahomes said after the game.
DeJean didn’t end up winning Super Bowl MVP honors – that went to Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts – but he had the most important play of the game.
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“I was trying to find the fastest way to the end zone,” he said. “Luckily, I got some blocks out there. I had to avoid some of those big guys, but it was just our defense working together like we have all year. It fell right into my lap.”
That may be minimizing the play. Mahomes rolled right on third-and-16 and tried to find DeAndre Hopkins, who was covered. DeJean read it all the way and plucked the ball.
“I’ve been dreaming of this since I was a kid, watching this game growing up. Now it’s here and now I get to wear a big old ring on my finger whenever we get it, hold that trophy – it’s amazing.”
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DeJean started returning punts for the team in Week 3 and had some tough moments fielding the ball with two fumbles lost. But he also displayed playmaking ability and averaged 10.05 yards per return in 21 chances.
At Lincoln Financial Field during Eagles home games, when he is announced as the punt returner, the Philly faithful unleashes an honorific “Coooop!” response.
“It’s awesome. To hear that chant, to be able to score a touchdown, is pretty cool,” said DeJean, who had three tackles. “I’m just happy to be here and be a part of this organization. We’ve got a great fanbase, and they support us all the way through the ups and downs. I know they’re back home partying on Broad Street right now.”
DeJean finished fourth in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting (fellow Eagles rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell was second). He broke up nine passes during the regular season and had three in three playoff games prior to the Super Bowl.
Since his arrival in Philadelphia, DeJean said, the veterans have helped bring along the rookie class, namely himself and Mitchell. They passed along wisdom and advice from the football field to the larger adjustment from college to the NFL.
“Now, to be here on the biggest stage and be able to hold that Lombardi Trophy and do it on my birthday and Saquon’s birthday,” DeJean said, “it’s pretty crazy.”