Cooper DeJean Celebrates 22nd Birthday with Historic Super Bowl TD
A Birthday to Remember
What a way to celebrate a 22nd birthday for Cooper DeJean. DeJean became the first player in Super Bowl history to intercept a pass or score a touchdown on his birthday when he returned a poor throw by Patrick Mahomes 38 yards for a TD to give Philadelphia a 17-0 lead over Kansas City in the second quarter on Sunday.
A Record-Breaking Performance
It was a pretty sweet 28th birthday as well for DeJean’s teammate, Saquon Barkley, who set the single-season record for most combined yards rushing in the regular season and playoffs. But it was DeJean who made the biggest play.
The Pick-6
DeJean undercut a route by DeAndre Hopkins and picked off Mahomes before racing in for the first pick-6 in a Super Bowl since Robert Alford had one for Atlanta against Tom Brady and New England eight years ago. That one gave the Falcons a 21-0 lead that grew to 28-3 in the second half before the Patriots mounted the biggest comeback in Super Bowl history.
A Rare Feat
That’s the only time a team has lost a Super Bowl after returning an interception for a touchdown with the other 12 teams all winning, including Tampa Bay in a game with three pick-6s against the Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl 37.
A Birthday to Remember
DeJean and teammate Saquon Barkley are the 15th and 16th players to appear in a Super Bowl on their birthdays, according to Sportradar. None of those players had scored a touchdown or intercepted a pass before DeJean.
Rookie Sensation
DeJean was a second-round pick out of Iowa this year and his insertion into the starting lineup early in the season was a key part of Philadelphia’s defensive rebound. His big play delighted his fans in his small hometown of Odebolt, Iowa, who came out for a Super Bowl watch party.
Conclusion
Cooper DeJean’s 22nd birthday will be one to remember for years to come. His historic pick-6 in the Super Bowl is a testament to his talent and dedication to the game. As he continues to make a name for himself in the NFL, fans will be eagerly anticipating his next big play.
FAQs
Q: Who is Cooper DeJean?
A: Cooper DeJean is a 22-year-old NFL player who plays for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Q: What did Cooper DeJean do on his 22nd birthday?
A: DeJean returned a poor throw by Patrick Mahomes 38 yards for a touchdown on his birthday, becoming the first player in Super Bowl history to intercept a pass or score a touchdown on their birthday.
Q: Who else had a notable performance on Super Bowl Sunday?
A: Saquon Barkley, DeJean’s teammate, set the single-season record for most combined yards rushing in the regular season and playoffs.
