Rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean celebrated his 22nd birthday in style during Super Bowl LIX, making a game-changing play that propelled the Philadelphia Eagles to a commanding lead over the Kansas City Chiefs in the first half. With the Eagles already up by two scores, DeJean intercepted a Patrick Mahomes pass intended for DeAndre Hopkins on a crucial 3rd-and-16. The young defensive back then showcased his impressive return skills, weaving his way through blockers en route to a touchdown, extending Philadelphia's advantage to 17-0.

This pick-six marked not only the first interception of DeJean's NFL career but also a significant historical moment in Super Bowl history. Teams boasting an interception returned for a touchdown hold a remarkable 12-1 record in the Super Bowl. The lone exception? The Atlanta Falcons' infamous collapse against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI.

While other stars like Saquon Barkley, also celebrating a birthday, had a relatively quiet first half, it was the Eagles' defense, and DeJean in particular, who stole the show. Their stifling performance kept the Chiefs' high-powered offense in check, resulting in the largest deficit Kansas City had faced since their Super Bowl LV loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

DeJean, a second-round draft pick from the University of Iowa, had a strong collegiate career, earning multiple First-Team All-Big Ten honors and being named the conference's Defensive Back of the Year in 2023. His regular season performance with the Eagles included 51 tackles, a forced fumble, three fumble recoveries, and six pass breakups.

This impressive Super Bowl performance solidified DeJean's status as a rising star in the NFL and a key contributor to the Eagles' success.