Running back Saquon Barkley and cornerback Cooper DeJean were the two big reasons behind the Philadelphia Eagles’ surge in 2024, which ultimately resulted in the Super Bowl win. Barkley was signed due to his stellar production with the New York Giants, while DeJean was drafted because of his athleticism.
DeJean was a former basketball player and displayed his skills during a team-building event at The Palestra. With Barkley assisting him, he made a slick alley-oop dunk on the hardwood, sending the Eagles’ fanbase into a frenzy.
Cooper DeJean Throwing Down Jaw-Dropping Alley-Oop Dunk From Saquon Barkley Leaves Eagles Fans In Awe
The Eagles have been showcasing their chemistry since winning the Super Bowl, and at a team-building event at The Palestra, Barkley and DeJean flexed their athleticism with an alley-oop dunk, drawing high praise for the latter’s basketball skills.
“Absolute freak,” a fan wrote.
Absolute freak
— jamebenton (@jamebenton2)
DeJean competed in multiple sports throughout his childhood — baseball, basketball, and football – but basketball was his first love, and he quickly became one of the best AAU players in the state. He, however, transitioned to football by the end of high school and rose to the spotlight as an All-American cornerback in 2022.
But some fans, not just random fans but including former NFL player Ross Tucker, are still watching DeJean’s high school highlights when they are sad.
“Sometimes when I’m sad I watch @cdejean23 high school basketball highlights and then I feel better 🤷♂️,” Tucker wrote on X.
Sometimes when I’m sad I watch @cdejean23 high school basketball highlights and then I feel better 🤷♂️
— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL)
DeJean isn’t the first former basketball player to line up for the Eagles. Jalen Carter, Giles Jackson, Cameron Williams, Lane Johnson, and DeVonta Smith are among the former Birds who have succeeded on the basketball court.
However, as per some fans, DeJean is the best of them all.
“coop the best basketball player on the team easily,” another fan commented.
Here are a few more reactions:
Another championship coming soon; confirmed
— Anthony DiGrazio (@FlyersAnt)
“I thought I dreamed this the first time I watched it,” a fan expressed their awe.
“The best part is Hurts smiling like a proud dad in the background 😂😂😂,” a fan noted.
It might be a signal to the rest of the league that yes, throwing to DeJean’s side of the field isn’t the best idea. He started nine games as a rookie and recorded 38 solo tackles, 0.5 sacks, and six passes defended.
Eagles Set For Another Super Bowl Run
General manager Howie Roseman has cemented himself as one of the top executives in sports and continues to stack a loaded 53-man roster — and practice squad — with elite talent. The offense relies on a power run game with Barkley, while wideouts A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith give defenses plenty to worry about on the outside.
The Eagles’ offensive and defensive lines are undoubtedly among the league’s best, and the pressure they generate up front allows playmakers to shift games in their favor.
The Eagles’ schedule this year is intense — they’ll face 10 playoff teams from last season. But they’ve got the firepower to compete with anyone. With quarterback Jalen Hurts able to extend plays and convert on the Tush Push at an elite rate, this team can never be counted out.
They added depth this offseason and retained key pieces of their championship core. Repeating is never easy, but this Eagles squad is built to take another shot at it.