For those who watched the Philadelphia Eagles this season, you might have heard one new identify fairly just a few instances: Cooper DeJean.
As a rookie cornerback and punt returner for the Eagles, DeJean made a repute for himself in 2024. In 16 sport appearances—9 of them as a beginning participant—he racked up 51 tackles, six move deflections, one pressured fumble, and three fumble recoveries. Now, he stands on the point of one thing most gamers solely ever dream of: successful a championship ring.
Earlier than the massive Recreation Day, DeJean teamed up with MyFitnessPal and shared his reflections on his first season in Philly, and the way he’s getting ready bodily and mentally to cement his place in Eagles historical past perpetually.
MFP: What’s it like being a part of the Philadelphia Eagles, particularly throughout a season once you’re making a push for the Championship?
CD: It’s an unbelievable expertise. The power in Philly is electrical, and after we’re on a Championship run, your entire metropolis feels prefer it’s behind us. The locker room is buzzing, and the crew chemistry is at an all-time excessive. Everybody’s locked in and centered on the identical objective, and it’s an honor to be a part of one thing so particular.
MFP: How does the tradition in Philadelphia and among the many Eagles’ fanbase inspire you as a participant?
CD: Philly followers are subsequent stage—they’re passionate, loyal, they usually maintain us accountable. You may really feel their power on sport day, and it drives you to offer all the things you’ve acquired. You don’t simply play for the crew; you play for town.
MFP: What position does vitamin play in your efficiency, particularly throughout an extended season with robust video games?
CD: Vitamin is all the things—it’s the inspiration for a way I carry out. With out the right fuel, I can’t convey my greatest to the sector. It’s not nearly power; it’s about restoration, focus, and staying wholesome by means of a grueling schedule.
MFP: MyFitnessPal is the proud vitamin monitoring app of the Philadelphia Eagles, serving to gamers monitor their meals and personalize their plans. How has it helped you optimize your vitamin for efficiency?
CD: I used to be excited to associate with MyFitnessPal, because the app has been a game-changer for me. It’s not nearly monitoring what I eat; it’s about seeing how each meal helps my efficiency objectives. The customized meal plans that the Eagles team chef supplies are unbelievable. I can concentrate on precisely what my physique must recuperate sooner and keep robust all through the season.
MFP: As a cornerback and punt returner, what are your distinctive dietary wants, and the way do you handle them?
CD: My place is all about pace, agility, and fast restoration. I would like fast-burning carbs for explosive power and a stable stability of protein to assist with muscle restore, particularly after high-intensity performs. Staying mild however robust is vital for me, so I concentrate on lean proteins, recent greens, and wholesome fat to maintain my power up with out feeling weighed down. MyFitnessPal helps me and my crew monitor all of that in order that I’m prepared for follow and game-day calls for.
MFP: Are there any particular meals or meals you swear by to remain in peak situation to your position?
CD: I’m a giant fan of lighter, energy-packed meals earlier than video games—like oatmeal with almond butter, bananas, and honey for a superb carb increase. After video games or follow, I concentrate on restoration meals like grilled hen, candy potatoes, and spinach. Staying hydrated can be big for me, so I’m consistently consuming water and including electrolytes when wanted.
MFP: When the stakes are this excessive, how do you stability the bodily grind with sustaining peak psychological focus?
CD: It’s all about routine. Vitamin, sleep, and the psychological sport are big. I be sure I’m getting the suitable gas, maintaining my restoration on level, and taking time to mentally reset. The psychological sport is simply as essential because the bodily or dietary, particularly at this stage.
MFP: Waiting for the Massive Recreation, what do you assume would be the greatest problem for you as a participant and for the crew as an entire?
CD: The largest problem is sustaining that razor-sharp focus and bodily explosiveness by means of the entire sport. As a cornerback, I’ve to be able to lock down my task on each play, and as a punt returner, I’m consistently occupied with positioning and making split-second choices. However I can’t let the second get too massive. It’s simple to get caught up within the hype, however on the finish of the day, it’s simply one other sport. We’ve been getting ready for this all season, so it’s about sticking to what we all know, trusting our preparation, and leaving all of it on the sector.
Will DeJean assist the Eagles add a championship title to their identify for the second time prior to now decade? You’ll have to look at them battle it out towards the defending champs on Sunday, February 8 at 6:30pm ET/3:30pm PT to search out out.
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