IOWA CITY — Cooper DeJean paid tribute to Iowa football on social media following the Philadelphia Eagles’ win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Sunday’s Super Bowl LIX.
The Chiefs, who were in pursuit of their third consecutive Super Bowl title, were dethroned by the Eagles with a final score of 40-22.
DeJean was one of the stars of the game on a Philadelphia defense that stifled Kansas City.
With a little more than seven minutes remaining in the second quarter, DeJean picked off Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes and returned it 38 yards for a touchdown to extend the Eagles’ early lead. The play was reminiscent of his time with the Hawkeyes.
Fittingly, DeJean gave a shoutout to his college program via social media.
“Developed at the University of Iowa 🐤🐤🐤,” DeJean said in a post.
Here is what DeJean had to say during postgame media availability:
On the emotions of it being his birthday and grabbing an interception
“It’s crazy. To be able to do it with this group of guys. Come in and since day one, all of us rookies, they’ve brought us in and taught us everything they know. How to be here on the biggest stage. Be able to hold that Lombardi Trophy and do it on my birthday and (teammate) Saquon (Barkley’s) birthday, it’s pretty crazy.”
On what was going through his mind during the interception
“Score a touchdown. Score a touchdown. I was trying to find the fastest way to the end zone. Luckily, I got some blocks out there. Had to avoid some of those big guys. But it was just our defense working together like we have all year. It just fell right into my lap.”
More:Ex-Hawkeye star Cooper DeJean delivers TD, wins Super Bowl LIX with Philadelphia Eagles
On ‘Coooop’ chants after his pick six
“It’s awesome. It’s awesome to hear that chant. To be able to score a touchdown is pretty cool, too. I’m just happy to be here, be a part of this organization. We’ve got a great fan base and they support us all the way through, through the ups and downs. And I know they’re back home partying on Broad Street right now.”
On what the Eagles did to contain Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce
“Just played our defense like we have all year. What we’ve done all year, just working together as a group. And the biggest thing is try to contain the quarterback. I think our D-line did a great job of that all night, group rushing up front, keeping him in the pocket, not allowing him to create explosive plays when he gets outside the pocket.”
On whether LeBron James will dap him up next time he sees DeJean
“That’d be pretty cool. That’d be pretty cool.”
On what it means to be a Super Bowl champion
“Man, I’ve been dreaming of this since I was a kid. Watching this game growing up. Now it’s here. Now I get to wear a big ol’ ring on my finger whenever we get it. Hold that trophy. It’s amazing.”
On what getting pressure on the QB does for the secondary
“Makes it a lot easier on us. We’re able to work together and play our defense the way we know how. We’ve got a great D-line up front.”
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