Introduction
Cooper DeJean has quickly captured the attention of NFL fans with a meteoric rise from a small-town kid to a Super Bowl-winning cornerback. As a member of Philadelphia Eagles, DeJean ended his rookie season in style, becoming a key contributor on defense — and even making history on a monumental stage. But there is more to his story than just tackles and interceptions. In this deep dive, we explore his early life, faith and tattoo, age and origins, and how video gamers see him via his Madden NFL 26 rating.
Early Life and Background: From Small-Town Iowa to NFL Stardom
Cooper DeJean was born on February 9, 2003, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Though born in South Dakota, much of his upbringing happened in a quiet rural community — Odebolt, Iowa, a farming town with a population of roughly 920 people.
He attended high school at OA-BCIG in Ida Grove, Iowa, where he was a standout athlete. Notably, in his senior year he threw for 3,447 yards and 35 touchdowns, rushed for 1,235 yards with 24 touchdowns, while also contributing significantly on defense.
DeJean was anything but a one-discipline athlete. He lettered in football, baseball, basketball, and track. In track, he was a state champion in long jump and the 100-meter dash — showing early signs of his speed and athleticism that would later serve him well as a cornerback.
Coach and community sentiment in Odebolt reflect genuine admiration for his humility and grounded upbringing. His high school coach once said DeJean “does most of his talking on the field,” a testament to his character.
From College to the NFL
DeJean went on to play college football at Iowa Hawkeyes. In his freshman year (2021), he primarily played on special teams. By his sophomore season, he had evolved into a versatile defensive back — playing cornerback, safety, and even serving as a punt returner.
His performance against top competition turned heads. For example, in a game vs. Wisconsin, he intercepted a pass and returned it 32 yards for a touchdown, forced a fumble, downed a punt inside the one-yard line, and returned multiple punts — contributing all over the field.
In 2023, DeJean’s stellar play earned him several accolades: he was named a unanimous All-American, earned first-team All-Big Ten honors, and received defensive back and return specialist of the year honors in the Big Ten.
Impressively, despite being projected as a first-round talent, a fibula fracture in his senior season caused his draft stock to slip. Still, the Eagles saw his potential — selecting him with the 40th overall pick in the 2nd round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
In his rookie NFL season (2024), DeJean made immediate impact. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team and helped reaffirm why scouts had pegged him as a star in the making.
Tattoo & Faith: “God is greater than the highs and the lows”
DeJean has been open about his Christian faith — a key part of his identity beyond the football field.
His tattoo reflects that faith: he has ink on his right bicep that reads “Fear God.” More specifically, the message — often quoted by him — is “God is greater than the highs and the lows.”
This tattoo and his faith played a publicly acknowledged role after the championship win: on social media after the Super Bowl, he wrote “God is the Greatest.”
For many fans and community members, especially back home in Odebolt, his faith — and the visible sign of it — has amplified admiration and respect. His journey becomes not just athletic success, but a story of identity, humility, and belief.
How Old is Cooper DeJean — And Where Is He From?
As of the 2025 season, Cooper DeJean is 22 years old (born February 9, 2003).
Though born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, his formative years were spent in Odebolt, Iowa — a small rural town that shaped much of his character and football foundation.
This background — small-town roots, multi-sport high school career, solid college performance — paints a picture of a grounded athlete who rose through hard work rather than hype.
Madden NFL 26 Rating — What Gamers Should Know
For fans playing Madden NFL 26, Cooper DeJean holds an Overall Rating of 84 as a cornerback with the “Zone” archetype.
Here are some of his standout attribute ratings in the game:
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Speed: 92
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Acceleration: 91
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Jumping: 91
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Agility: 90
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Zone Coverage: 84
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Play Recognition: 85
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Man Coverage: 78
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Catch: 80
These ratings reflect his real-life strengths — namely, his speed, agility, and coverage skills — making him a strong choice for players who prioritize defense and coverage in Madden.
Fans of Madden often value cornerbacks like DeJean who combine speed and instinct — traits that mirror his actual playing style on the field.
Real-Life Impact and Community Roots
Beyond video games and stats, DeJean’s roots continue to resonate strongly with people back home. In his hometown of Odebolt, Iowa, the small community has rallied around him. Local businesses, residents, and even children have celebrated his achievements, especially after his standout Super Bowl performance.
Many remember him not just for athletic talent but for humility, kindness, and representing their town on a global stage. His high school coach noted that he’s “unassuming” and lets his on-field performance speak for him.
This sense of hometown pride — from a town with fewer than 1,000 people to the bright lights of NFL stadiums — adds a layer of inspiration to his journey.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: What tattoo does Cooper DeJean have?
A: He has a tattoo on his right bicep that reads “Fear God,” expressing a faith-driven message that “God is greater than the highs and the lows.”
Q: How old is Cooper DeJean as of 2025?
A: He is 22 years old. Born on February 9, 2003.
Q: Where is Cooper DeJean from?
A: He was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, but grew up in Odebolt, Iowa — a small agricultural town.
Q: What is his current Madden NFL 26 rating?
A: In Madden NFL 26, his overall rating is 84 as a zone-scheme cornerback.
Q: What are his strengths in Madden?
A: His top attributes include Speed (92), Acceleration (91), Jumping (91), Agility (90), and strong coverage stats such as Play Recognition and Zone Coverage.
Why Cooper DeJean’s Story Matters
Cooper DeJean isn’t just another rookie making waves — his journey embodies a narrative many fans love:
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A humble upbringing in rural America, working hard at small-town high school fields.
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Multi-sport talent showing discipline, athleticism, and versatility.
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College success earned through grit, not hype.
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Faith and personal identity rooted in humility rather than fame.
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Breakout success as a rookie in the NFL, capped by a Super Bowl victory and a historical pick-six on his 22nd birthday.
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Recognition both on the field and within video games, bridging real-life performance and digital fandom.
For many, DeJean represents the “underdog turned star” — a reminder that talent from anywhere, even a town of fewer than 1,000 people, can shine on the world’s biggest stage.
