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Eagles’ Cooper DeJean discloses the humbling response he got from ‘blunt’ Caitlin Clark over viral 1-on-1 comment

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Joseph Varghese | Last updated 5/11/24

Cooper DeJean has made his dream of playing in the NFL come true. But before he made it to the league, the cornerback had a history in basketball. That led NFL teams to ask him if he could beat fellow Iowa Hawkeye Caitlin Clark in a game of 1-on-1 basketball. His answer went viral suggesting that he could. The newest Philadelphia Eagle, however, revealed the response he got from the basketball superstar.

As a guest via video on the show, Up & Adams, host Kay Adams asked him about that viral video. He said that he was just answering the questions teams asked him during the interviews. However, Caitlin Clark sent him a message and said that she did not think he could beat him in a 1-on-1 basketball game. To be fair to DeJean, he was not taking a shot at the WNBA superstar. He had no intention to take a swipe at the best women’s college basketball player in the country.

Even Adams initially did not think the 2nd round-draft pick could beat Clark. However, at that moment, her producers ran highlights of Cooper DeJean’s high school basketball plays. Adams was shocked watching the 6′ 1″ star throw down several dunks.

How did Caitlin Clark respond to fellow Iowa Hawkeye Cooper DeJean saying he could beat her 1-on-1??? @CaitlinClark22 @cdejean23 @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/JQPl3vezij
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) May 8, 2024

It seems she had a change of heart after watching the highlight mixtape. The cornerback boasts a 4.43 40-yard dash and a 38.5″ vertical jump. He might not have made it in basketball, but he will be a huge asset for the Philadelphia Eagles in the coming years.

Cooper DeJean to bring his basketball skills to the Philadelphia Eagles

When the Philadelphia Eagles selected Cooper DeJean with their 2nd round draft pick, it was squarely aimed at building a solid future in the backfield. DeJean and 1st round draft pick Quinyon Mitchell should eventually take over from their veteran starters. The Iowa Hawkeye was a consensus All-American and the Big Ten’s defensive back of the year.

Along with his defensive back skills, he was also one of the best return specialists in college. It seems, those basketball skills where speed, athleticism and vertical jump were crucial, have paid dividends in football. If he can exploit those skills, and develop further as a corner, he would be capable of handling elite wideouts in some time.

By then, his fame would have made it enough for Caitlin Clark to acknowledge his abilities as an athlete. They may not ever battle 1-on-1, but at least he would have her respect.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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