Cooper DeJean was flying long before he joined the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Super Bowl hero can apparently do it all.
Pick off Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl and take it back for a touchdown?
Check.
Dunk on kids in high school?
Check.
After Cooper DeJean’s sensational performance in the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory over Mahomes and the Chiefs, old footage of DeJean playing high school basketball resurfaced.
The 45-second highlight reel left fans questioning whether or not DeJean chose the correct sport.
After his Super Bowl LIX showing, there’s no doubt he did, but his old high school footage still left fans in awe.
“He’s 6’0 dude was jumping out of the gym,” one fan wrote on X.
“DeJean was a HOOPER,” another fan chimed in.
“Cooper Dejean could’ve played in the NBA easy,” wrote a third, with others in agreement.
DeJean raised the Lombardi Trophy on his 22nd birthday on Sunday night, but fans were stunned to learn that he was also raising the roof back in high school.
During his senior year at Odebolt–Arthur–Battle Creek–Ida Grove (OABCIG) High School in Ida Grove, Iowa, DeJean put up huge numbers.
He averaged 25.9 points, 7.8 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game.
The star defensive back also shot 57.8% from the field and 39.5% from three-point range.
He also ran track and played baseball — showing the versatility and athleticism which have allowed him to return punts as well as his defensive duties.
DeJean ultimately made the right choice by sticking with football, as he went on to become a unanimous All-American and Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year, along with being a two-time first-team All-Big Ten member while at the University of Iowa.
The Eagles took DeJean in the second round and the rest was history.
Less than a year later, he is now a Super Bowl champion.
And had one of the game’s biggest plays to show for it.
DeJean will never have to worry about what would happen if his NFL career never panned out.
It’s off to a perfect start.
But if something ever does go sideways, he can always pick up a basketball.