DeJean’s jersey sales are off the charts in the Pro Shops and the fans are constantly snapping off pictures and asking for autographs and the young standout has learned quickly how to be a pro.
At the forefront of everything, though, is his profession. DeJean wants to be the best. The very best. Anything to help the team.
“It is always football first,” said DeJean. “This is what I love to do.”
The Eagles certainly love the growth he’s made, to the point where Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio is trying every way to get DeJean on the field more. Last season, DeJean finished as an Associated Press NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist, playing 627 snaps in the nickel, not allowing a touchdown pass in coverage, and ranking third among league cornerbacks with a Pro Football Focus ranking of 82.7 in coverage. He saved his best for last, part of the Eagles’ outstanding four-game postseason and, of course, the pick-six in the Super Bowl enhanced everything.
Now the Eagles want to see more of DeJean, who has had a full, healthy offseason preparing for 2025. He is playing alongside Reed Blankenship at safety in the base defense, moving to nickel when the Eagles bring in a fifth defensive back, and could see some reps at cornerback as Fangio expands the young man’s duties.
All of this is music to DeJean’s ears. He just wants to be on the field helping the Eagles win.
“It’s a different perspective back there and I’m still kind of getting used to it, learning the position,” DeJean said of playing safety. “I’m trying to get comfortable back there and it’s coming along great. We’re out there competing. I love it.
“I trust the coaches that they’re putting me in the right position and where they think I fit best and where I can impact the defense.”
DeJean, like most of the other defensive backs, learns all three positions during the course of the spring and summer because you just never know in the course of a game. Players have been thrust into odd spots and have been able to produce because they cross-train, as coaches prepare for every scenario.
“I love the challenge. I did some switching back and forth in college and I know the coaches are going to do what’s best here and put me where I fit best within the defense,” DeJean said. “It’s more about learning the techniques of learning each position and not about the playbook because I think it helps every defensive player learning every position on the field to make them better at their position. Getting those reps, that’s what really helps me.”
He is on the rise, in every way, and DeJean is handling it with a smile. He admits that part of the offseason has been “crazy,” because of all the attention, but that comes with success. DeJean is prepared for the moment. He knows what is happening and is enjoying every bit of it.
“I’ve tried to enjoy it and take in the moment and also understand that the past is the past. It’s a new season now and I have to be better for this defense and this team than I was last year,” he said. “Now, the focus is all on football and helping us win football games. That’s what matters.”
Nothing is getting in his way. Not with the way the last year has done for a young player who has taken Philadelphia by storm and has approached all that there is about the NFL – the work, the fun, the fans – with the right attitude and professionalism.
Wide receiver A.J. Brown called DeJean “All-Pro Coop” the other day, and DeJean appreciated the shoutout.
“It gives me something to strive for,” DeJean said. “He pushes me every single day to make sure I’m playing at a high level, no matter the day, to work towards that, which is pretty cool coming from a guy who has been All-Pro.”
