As the Philadelphia Eagles prepare for Super Bowl LIX this Sunday, rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean finds himself facing off against his former Iowa teammate Caitlin Clark, who will be cheering for the Kansas City Chiefs. While DeJean, in his debut Super Bowl appearance, is focused on making an impact after a standout rookie season, Clark, a rising star in women’s sports, will be supporting the Chiefs in the championship showdown. The rivalry between the two is friendly, but the stakes couldn’t be higher as they represent their respective teams in New Orleans.
DeJean’s impressive rookie year has put him on the map, with nine starts and a spot on the Pro Football Writers Association’s All-Rookie Team. As a 21-year-old cornerback and punt returner, he has already made an incredible mark in the NFL with 51 tackles, one sack, three fumble recoveries, and six pass deflections. His talents have earned him significant recognition, including a remarkable 165-yard return. Now, he has his sights set on making a splash in the Super Bowl, hoping to earn a victory in his first-ever appearance at the grand event.
However, despite DeJean’s excitement for the big game, his former Iowa teammate Clark won’t be supporting him. The two have remained close since their college days, but Clark, who had an outstanding 2024 season in both college basketball and the WNBA, made it clear she’ll be backing the Chiefs. “I hope Cooper has a great game, but it’s my Chiefs all day long,” she told reporters, affirming her loyalty to Kansas City stars like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
DeJean took the news in stride, laughing off Clark’s stance, saying, “She’s been a Chiefs fan for a long time, so that’s alright.” Despite the friendly rivalry, he expressed confidence in his team’s ability to overcome the Chiefs, jokingly adding, “Hopefully we can knock her dreams off.” While DeJean focuses on his Super Bowl debut, it’s clear that the admiration between him and Clark remains mutual, and their camaraderie continues to shine through.
Clark, whose WNBA career took off with a stellar season that earned her Rookie of the Year honors, has captured the attention of sports fans worldwide. With her record-breaking 337 assists and 769 points last season, she has not only earned accolades but also revolutionized women’s basketball. DeJean, in his praise of Clark, acknowledged her incredible impact, saying, “She’s arguably the most exciting player to view right now in men’s or women’s basketball. She has elevated women’s basketball to a higher degree.” The support and respect between these two former Iowa teammates reflect their shared drive to excel in their respective sports, despite their differing Super Bowl allegiances.
