Brandon Graham has perfect 5-word message for Eagles' rookie hero

The praise wasn’t just lip service. Graham, whose strip-sack sealed Philly’s first Super Bowl win, knows clutch when he sees it. DeJean’s hit on Henry wasn’t just a highlight—it symbolized a defense refusing to blink. But the rookie wasn’t done.

In Super Bowl LIX, DeJean intercepted Patrick Mahomes on his 22nd birthday, returning it 38 yards for a touchdown. The play sparked a 24-0 halftime lead and cemented his place in history as the first player to score a Super Bowl TD on his birthday.

“Still doesn't feel real to me that that happened,” DeJean later admitted.

For Eagles fans, it felt like destiny.

From Underdog to Cornerstone

DeJean’s rise mirrors Philly’s 2024 resurgence. After slipping to Round 2 in the draft, he became PFF’s second-highest-graded corner (86.3) behind only Patrick Surtain II. His versatility—locking down receivers, blitzing QBs, and returning punts—made him DC Vic Fangio’s Swiss Army knife. Even Sheldon Brown, whose 2006 hit on Reggie Bush remains iconic, applauded DeJean’s “toughness" and "willingness" to sacrifice.

The Eagles’ defense, retooled around young stars like DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell, allowed just 15.3 points per game post-Week 6. Their physicality echoed the 1991 “Gang Green” unit.

Cooper DeJean’s Legacy: Built on Grit and Glory

DeJean’s impact extends beyond stats. His arrival softens the blow of veterans like Darius Slay and Fletcher Cox retiring. GM Howie Roseman’s gamble to trade up for him now looks genius.

“I'm so happy that they did that because [otherwise] we wouldn't even be talking to each other about this right now,” Graham emphasized.

With DeJean likely shifting to outside corner in 2025, Philly’s secondary could dominate for years.

Teammates feed off DeJean’s fearlessness. When Jalen Carter fired up the defense pre-Super Bowl, DeJean’s pick-six minutes later set the tone.

“We preach being the most physical team,” DeJean said. And mission accomplished.

Philly’s championship window stays wide open. DeJean’s rookie contract offers cap flexibility, and his work ethic—praised by Graham—suggests more magic ahead. As the Eagles reload, their rookie hero embodies a city that thrives on resilience.

In a league obsessed with QB narratives, Cooper DeJean reminds us defense still wins rings. His blend of brains and brawn evokes Teddy Roosevelt’s mantra: “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” For Philly, DeJean’s stick just clobbered Mahomes and Henry. As confetti rained in New Orleans, one question lingered: If this is what DeJean does at 22, what’s next?