Cooper DeJean Will get the Final Snicker, Buries LeBron James Snub After Super Bowl Decide-Six

As the Philadelphia Eagles equipped for Super Bowl LIX, a number of gamers attended a Philadelphia 76ers sport in opposition to the Los Angeles Lakers. Among them was rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean, who stood alongside stars A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.

While LeBron James greeted the preferred names, he notably bypassed DeJean like he was a no one throughout pre-game warmups. The second turned awkward as DeJean reached out for a handshake, solely to be ignored by James.

The NBA celebrity was trustworthy, stating he did not know him personally.

DeJean Made Sure His Name Will Be Remembered

Fast ahead to Super Bowl Sunday, and DeJean ensured his identify would by no means be forgotten. The rookie cornerback made historical past by intercepting Patrick Mahomes and returning it for a landing, shifting the momentum and giving the Eagles a commanding lead.

The pick-six put Philadelphia forward by three scores of their 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, CBS Sports experiences.

With that single play, DeJean not solely solidified his place in NFL historical past however possible made LeBron—and the sports activities world—take discover.

Any Hard Feelings? Not for DeJean

Despite the public snub from one in every of basketball’s biggest gamers, DeJean remained unbothered when requested in regards to the incident after the Super Bowl.

“That’d be pretty cool,” DeJean stated with a smile when requested if LeBron would possibly acknowledge him subsequent time. “That’d be pretty cool.”

DeJean’s Historic Super Bowl Performance

DeJean’s interception return for a landing put him in an unique membership. He grew to become solely the second rookie in Super Bowl historical past to perform the feat, following Reggie Phillips of the 1985 Chicago Bears.

Adding to his milestone, DeJean grew to become simply the second participant ever to attain a landing on his birthday in an NFL championship sport—becoming a member of Eagles legend Steve Van Buren, who did so in 1947.

A Super Birthday Celebration

For DeJean, the night time was greater than only a championship victory; it was a birthday to recollect. Sharing a birthday with teammate Saquon Barkley, he known as the second “crazy” and credited his teammates for making the journey particular.

“To be able to do it with this group of guys, from Day 1, they brought us rookies in and taught us everything they know,” DeJean stated. “Now, to be here on the biggest stage, hold that Lombardi Trophy, and do it on my birthday—it’s pretty crazy.”

While LeBron James might not have identified DeJean’s identify earlier than the Super Bowl, he—and the remainder of the sports activities world—actually does now. The Eagles rookie proved he belongs amongst soccer’s elite, and this would possibly simply be the start of a legendary profession.

“Real recognize real” might be Cooper’s mantra in his thoughts proper now.