The NFL humbles everyone at some point, and for Cooper DeJean, that moment came early. It wasn’t because he wasn’t ready, it was because the league forces you to adapt quickly – mentally and physically. Every player is elite and the difference between persistence and exposure is very subtle.
That’s part of what made his last partnership with him Optimal nutrition works in his off-season, the focus is not only on training harder, but on building a routine that supports performance, recovery and endurance over the long term.
“I just remember early in my career being very impressed with some of the guys that you’re going up against,” DeJean said. “But when you realize they’re guys just like you. They breathe the same air you do. That was a big deal for me.”
This shift from seeing untouchable rivals to seeing them as equals is where DeJean’s confidence came from. In a league where everyone is talented, confidence is not optional. This is part of the performance.
And it is already showing. In his second NFL season with Philadelphia Eagles, DeJean finished with 93 total tackles, two interceptions and 13 pass breakups while emerging as one of the league’s top young defensive backs.
Now heading into his third season, DeJean relies on more than just ability. He builds habits that help him persevere week after week.
DEVELOPMENT OF SKILLS FOR CONFIDENCE
Like most rookies, DeJean wasn’t ready for the league. There is a process of finding your footing, and it comes from understanding how to prepare professionally while adjusting to the speed of the game.
“You go through that first year, you’re trying to find your way in the NFL,” DeJean said. “Then you carry it into your second year with more confidence.”
This growth did not happen in isolation. Being surrounded by Verwens who already know how to train, recover and prepare at a high level gave him a plan to follow.
“Darius Slay was instrumental in my development,” he said. “Watching guys like Saquon (Barkley), AJ, Smithy, Jalen, the way they prepare and take care of their bodies every week — you can learn just by watching them.”
Another change is coming. DeJean goes from absorbing information to being a resource for redistributing that information, which requires a different level of responsibility both on and off the field.
“Now it’s taking another step to have more of a voice, be a leader in the room and help those young guys.”
NO USE
Before the development of structured and tailored programs and performance staff, DeJean’s athletic base was built in the way that many elite athletes built themselves through competition and constant movement. While it wasn’t about programming at that stage, he was creating rappers and a love for the game.
“Growing up, I loved sports, that’s really all I did,” DeJean said. “I was in the yard, playing soccer, playing hoops, going to the park. I was always active.”
His natural drive and athleticism helped, but it was his competitive mindset that took him even further. The desire to win and the readiness to work for it laid the foundation for where he is now. He always wanted to be the best in whatever he played and knew that being the best was a job.
At the NFL level, that mindset translates into discipline and structure. Fundamentals are more important than ever, especially during a long season where consistency separates players.
“The best thing is to train, lift and make sure you’re still lifting two to three times a week,” he said. “And take care of your body along with your diet.”
USED FOR CONSTRUCTION
There hasn’t been much downtime for DeJean during the offseason. The time off gives him a window where he can focus on improving the physical attributes that will translate onto the field, especially when the demand at the position increases.
“The best thing is getting stronger and faster every season.” He said. “Speed is something you don’t want to lose, so that’s a big factor for me.”
So far, he has added movement and flexibility to the mix, realizing that stability and quality of movement are just as important as strength and speed. Study in Scottsdale, AZ with performance coach Natalie Collars.
“He taught me a lot about my body and how your training translates to the football field,” DeJean said.
This training with intention is what separates general exercise from performance-based training. That approach translated into his production during his sophomore campaign. DeJean ranks among the league’s most effective coverage backs, while limiting big plays and consistently affecting both the pass and run game.
Even after a strong season, DeJean is still focused on identifying areas of growth.
“It’s about turning the page … being humble and realizing you can get better,” he said. “Even the things I’m good at – I’m trying to improve them too.”
FUEL EXECUTION IS STILL IN PROGRESS
DeJean is open about his nutrition not being perfect yet, which is often the reality for young athletes adjusting to the demands that come from a long season. His build has improved a lot, but there is still room for growth.
“I still like to eat like a little kid at times,” she said. “I like to eat – fruit snacks, chocolate, pastries.”
Her honesty means that the process is very real, because making calls about food isn’t about being perfect—it’s about making better decisions over time. His diet has been in focus this season.
Work with Optimal nutrition has helped simplify the process, especially when it comes to reaching protein goals, and supports his recovery after training.
“I feel like that was a big part of my season,” DeJean said. “Getting enough protein … Gold Standard whey protein is easy for them after a workout. It almost adds to my recovery — you respond better after workouts.”
Recovery goes through supplementation. One of the biggest lessons he’s ever learned is how important an often-avoided element is to his performance and consistency.
“I realized that sleep was key to my recovery,” he said. “That’s something I need to work on — having a regular sleep schedule.”
STAYING IN THE LEAGUE IS AVAILABLE
At the highest level, talent is a given. What keeps players on the field is their ability to stay healthy and perform consistently over time, which depends on habits built from the spotlight.
“Being able to be available every week, that’s the biggest thing,” DeJean said.
This existence is built through training, rehabilitation and discipline. It’s not one thing – it all works together over time.
For DeJean, this is the next step in his evolution. It is no longer about proving his belonging. He builds a routine that allows him to be ready on game day and improve as his career progresses.
Follow Cooper on Instagram @cooperdejea
