Cooper DeJean is days away from playing in Super Bowl 59. Yet, it appears all anyone wants to ask him about is another Iowa native: Caitlin Clark.

The Philadelphia Eagles started the 2024 season just 2-2, dropping games against the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers prior to their Week 5 bye. In that second loss, their defense was torn asunder by the Bucs,

Neither organization has buyer’s remorse. All four players are Rookie of the Year finalists. But the Eagles secured their secondary of the future. In Mitchell, the Eagles gained an immediate starter opposite veteran cornerback Darius Slay. In DeJean, they gained a potential successor for Slay, a six-time Pro Bowler entering his age-33 season.

As a rookie cornerback and punt returner for the Eagles, DeJean made a reputation for himself in 2024. In 16 game appearances—nine of them as a starter—he racked up 51 tackles, six pass deflections, one forced fumble, and three fumble recoveries. Now, he stands on the brink of something most players only ever dream of: winning a championship ring.

When the Philadelphia Eagles take the field for their first defensive snap of the Super Bowl, two rookies will be on the field at the cornerback position, Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. That’s right,