Rising star Cooper DeJean reveals what it's like being a rookie on the Philadelphia Eagles
A: My position is all about speed, agility, and quick recovery. I need fast-burning carbs for explosive energy and a solid balance of protein to help with muscle repair, especially after high-intensity plays. Staying light but strong is key for me, so I focus on lean proteins, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats to keep my energy up without feeling weighed down.
Q: Are there any specific foods or meals you swear by to stay in peak condition for your role?
A: I'm a big fan of lighter, energy-packed meals before games—like oatmeal with almond butter, bananas, and honey for a good carb boost. After games or practice, I focus on recovery meals like grilled chicken, sweet potatoes, and spinach. Staying hydrated is also huge for me, so I'm constantly drinking water and adding electrolytes when needed.
Q: When the stakes are this high, how do you balance the physical grind with maintaining peak mental focus?
A: It's all about routine. Nutrition, sleep, and the mental game are huge. I make sure I'm getting the right fuel, keeping my recovery on point, and taking time to mentally reset. The mental game is just as important as the physical or nutritional, especially at this level.
Q: Looking ahead to the big game, what do you think will be the biggest challenge for you as a player and for the team as a whole?
A: The biggest challenge is maintaining that razor-sharp focus and physical explosiveness through the whole game. As a cornerback, I have to be ready to lock down my assignment on every play, and as a punt returner, I'm constantly thinking about positioning and making split-second decisions. But I can't let the moment get too big. It's easy to get caught up in the hype, but at the end of the day, it's just another game. We've been preparing for this all season, so it's about sticking to what we know, trusting our preparation, and leaving it all on the field.
Will DeJean help the Eagles add a championship title to their name for the second time in the past decade? You'll have to watch them battle it out against the defending champs on Sunday, February 9 at 6:30pm ET/3:30pm PT to find out.
