For those who watched the Philadelphia Eagles this season, you will have heard one new identify fairly a number of occasions: Cooper DeJean.
As a rookie cornerback and punt returner for the Eagles, DeJean made a status for himself in 2024. In 16 sport appearances—9 of them as a beginning participant—he racked up 51 tackles, six cross deflections, one pressured fumble, and three fumble recoveries. Now, he stands getting ready to one thing most gamers solely ever dream of: profitable a championship ring.
Earlier than the large Recreation Day, DeJean teamed up with MyFitnessPal and shared his reflections on his first season in Philly, and the way he’s making ready bodily and mentally to cement his place in Eagles historical past endlessly.
MFP: What’s it like being a part of the Philadelphia Eagles, particularly throughout a season if you’re making a push for the Championship?
CD: It’s an unimaginable expertise. The power in Philly is electrical, and once we’re on a Championship run, your complete metropolis feels prefer it’s behind us. The locker room is buzzing, and the staff chemistry is at an all-time excessive. Everybody’s locked in and centered on the identical purpose, 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 degree—they’re passionate, loyal, they usually maintain us accountable. You’ll be able to really feel their power on sport day, and it drives you to present the whole lot you’ve bought. You don’t simply play for the staff; you play for town.
MFP: What function does diet play in your efficiency, particularly throughout an extended season with robust video games?
CD: Diet is the whole lot—it’s the muse for a way I carry out. With out the proper gas, I can’t carry my greatest to the sphere. It’s not nearly power; it’s about restoration, focus, and staying wholesome via a grueling schedule.
MFP: MyFitnessPal is the proud diet monitoring app of the Philadelphia Eagles, serving to gamers monitor their meals and personalize their plans. How has it helped you optimize your diet 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 staff chef offers are unimaginable. I can concentrate on precisely what my physique must recuperate quicker 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 velocity, agility, and fast restoration. I would like fast-burning carbs for explosive power and a strong 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 staff monitor all of that in order that I’m prepared for apply and game-day calls for.
MFP: Are there any particular meals or meals you swear by to remain in peak situation in your function?
CD: I’m an enormous fan of lighter, energy-packed meals earlier than video games—like oatmeal with almond butter, bananas, and honey for carb enhance. After video games or apply, I concentrate on restoration meals like grilled rooster, candy potatoes, and spinach. Staying hydrated can also be big for me, so I’m always 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. Diet, sleep, and the psychological sport are big. I be sure I’m getting the fitting gas, holding my restoration on level, and taking time to mentally reset. The psychological sport is simply as vital because the bodily or dietary, particularly at this degree.
MFP: Waiting for the Large Recreation, what do you assume would be the greatest problem for you as a participant and for the staff as an entire?
CD: The most important problem is sustaining that razor-sharp focus and bodily explosiveness via 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 always enthusiastic about 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 making 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 sphere.
Will DeJean assist the Eagles add a championship title to their identify for the second time previously decade? You’ll have to observe 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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