If you’ve spent any time watching the Philadelphia Eagles lately, you’ve probably seen number 33 flying across the screen. He’s hard to miss. Whether it's a clutch interception or a dynamic punt return, Cooper DeJean has quickly become a household name in Philly. But as he continues to shut down elite receivers and make veteran-level plays, a lot of fans find themselves asking one specific question: how old is Cooper DeJean?
Honestly, his age is one of the most impressive things about him. It's not just that he's young; it's that he's doing things historically reserved for guys with five or six years of pro experience.
The Short Answer: How Old is Cooper DeJean Right Now?
Let's get straight to the point. Cooper DeJean is 22 years old.
He was born on February 9, 2003. If you’re reading this in mid-January 2026, he’s just a few weeks away from his 23rd birthday. It’s wild to think that while most people his age are just finishing up their senior year of college or navigating their first entry-level job, DeJean has already won a Super Bowl and earned All-Pro honors.
He isn't just "young for the NFL." He’s a cornerstone player who hasn't even hit his physical prime.
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A Quick Timeline of His Life
- Born: February 9, 2003, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
- High School: Graduated from OA-BCIG in 2021.
- College: Played three seasons at the University of Iowa (2021–2023).
- NFL Draft: Selected 40th overall by the Eagles in 2024 at age 21.
- Super Bowl LIX: Won the ring on his 22nd birthday (February 9, 2025).
Why the Age of Cooper DeJean Actually Matters
In the NFL, age isn't just a number on a trading card. It’s a measure of "tread on the tires" and potential "ceiling." When the Eagles traded up to get DeJean in the second round of the 2024 Draft, they weren't just looking for a plug-and-play starter. They were betting on a kid whose birth certificate suggested he had a decade of elite football ahead of him.
You’ve got to remember that DeJean entered the league as a "true junior" essentially. He didn't stay for a fifth or sixth year of college like many players do now with the extra eligibility rules. He saw the opportunity, took it, and immediately looked like he belonged.
That Birthday Super Bowl Moment
Most people celebrate their 22nd birthday with a party or a nice dinner. Cooper DeJean celebrated his by intercepting Patrick Mahomes.
On February 9, 2025—his actual 22nd birthday—DeJean recorded a 38-yard pick-six in Super Bowl LIX. He became the first Eagles player ever to record an interception in a Super Bowl. Even more staggering? He became the youngest player in NFL history to return an interception for a touchdown in the big game.
Imagine the composure that takes. 22 years old. The biggest stage in sports. Millions of eyes. And he plays it like it’s a Friday night in Ida Grove, Iowa.
The Small Town Roots
When discussing how old is Cooper DeJean, you can't ignore where those 22 years were spent. He grew up in Odebolt, Iowa. We’re talking about a farming town of about 900 people. There are no stoplights. Just stop signs and a whole lot of cornfields.
This background is probably why he plays with such a "blue-collar" chip on his shoulder. In a town that small, you don't just play one sport. You play everything.
- Basketball: He scored 1,832 career points in high school. To put that in perspective, he’s higher on the Iowa all-time scoring list than NBA star Harrison Barnes.
- Track: He won state titles in the 100-meter dash and the long jump.
- Football: He was a superstar quarterback and defensive back.
Basically, by the time he was 18, he was already a local legend. That multi-sport background is exactly why he looks so fluid as a returner and so explosive when he breaks on a ball. He's not just a "specialized" athlete; he’s a natural one.
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Comparing Him to the Veterans
To really grasp the impact of his age, look at the guys he’s playing alongside. In the Eagles' secondary, he's had the chance to learn from veterans who have been in the league since Cooper was in middle school.
Yet, by the 2025 season (his second year), DeJean wasn't just "the rookie" anymore. He was voted a First-team All-Pro. He led the team in pass deflections and proved that he could play nickel, outside corner, or even safety if needed. He's a "Swiss Army Knife," and usually, it takes players until they are 25 or 26 to master that many positions. He did it at 22.
What's Next for the 22-Year-Old?
So, we know he's 22. We know he's already a champion. What's left?
The scary part for the rest of the NFC East is that most NFL players don't reach their "peak" until ages 26 to 28. Cooper DeJean is four years away from that. Physically, he’s still filling out his 6'0", 200-pound frame. Mentally, he’s still seeing NFL passing concepts for the first or second time.
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If he’s this good now, imagine him at 25.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Dynasty Fantasy Value: If you're in an IDP (Individual Defensive Player) league, DeJean is a "gold" asset. His age and versatility (points for returns, tackles, and INTs) make him a top-5 long-term play.
- Jersey Watch: He's officially switched from "promising rookie" to "franchise pillar." If you’re buying a jersey, the #33 is a safe bet for the next decade.
- Keep an Eye on the Podcast: He co-founded the Exciting Mics podcast with teammate Reed Blankenship. It’s a great way to see the personality of a guy who is usually pretty quiet in front of the traditional media.
Cooper DeJean is a rare breed. He’s a small-town kid with big-city expectations who has somehow exceeded every single one of them. At just 22 years old, he’s already achieved what most players dream of for a lifetime.
If you want to keep up with his progress, the best move is to follow the Eagles' official defensive snap counts. You'll see him on the field for nearly 100% of them, which is the ultimate sign of respect for a player who is still technically one of the youngest guys in the locker room.