Rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean made one of the biggest defensive plays in Philadelphia Eagles history -- and did so on his 22nd birthday.
With the Kansas City Chiefs facing a third-and-long midway through the second quarter, Patrick Mahomes tried to fit a tight-window throw in to wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. DeJean undercut the throw for the interception, then raced 38 yards for the touchdown to give the Eagles a 17-0 lead in Super Bowl LIX.
He is the second rookie to return an interception for a touchdown in the Super Bowl, joining Reggie Phillips, who did so for the 1985 Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XX against the New England Patriots. He is also the first player to record a pick-six in any game (regular season or postseason) on his birthday since former All-Pro Eric Turner did so for the Raiders on his 30th birthday in September 1998 against the Denver Broncos.
COOPER DEJEAN PICK TO THE HOUSE!
— NFL (@NFL) February 10, 2025
📺: #SBLIX on FOX
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The Philadelphia defense swarmed Mahomes for much of the first half and sacked him on consecutive plays to set up the third-and-long.
DeJean, a second-round pick out of Iowa, was a difference-maker from the moment he stepped into the lineup following the team's Week 5 bye. He saved his best moment for the biggest stage.
The 22-year-old isn't the only Eagles player celebrating a birthday in New Orleans. Running back Saquon Barkley is also celebrating his special day at the Caesars Superdome -- he turns 28 today.
