The NFL humbles everyone at some point, and for Cooper DeJean, that moment came early. Not because he wasn’t ready, but because the league forces you to adjust quickly—mentally and physically. Every player is elite, and the line between exit and exposure is razor thin.
That’s part of what made his recent partnership with Optimum Nutrition work in his short term, focusing not just on training hard, but building a routine that supports performance, recovery, and long-term consistency.
“I just remember at the beginning of my career, I was so obsessed with the other guys that you were going to face,” DeJean recalled. But when you realize that they are like you. They breathe the same air as you. That was a big deal for me.
That shift from seeing opponents as untouchable to seeing them as equals is where DeJean’s confidence began to build. In a league where everyone has talent, confidence is not an option. It’s part of the performance.
And it’s already showing up. In his second NFL season with the 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 entering his third season, DeJean is no longer relying on power. He builds habits that help him stay consistent from week to week.
BUILDING SKILLS TO BUILD CONFIDENCE
As with most rookies, DeJean didn’t enter the league ready to take over. The process comes down to finding your stride, and it starts with understanding how to prepare yourself at a professional level while adjusting to the speed of the game.
“You go through that first year, trying to find your way in the NFL,” DeJean said. “Then carry that into your second year with more confidence.”
That growth did not happen in isolation. Being surrounded by vervains who already understood how to train, recover, and prepare at a high level gave him a blueprint to follow.
“Darius Slay has been a big part of my development,” he said. “Watching guys like Saquon (Barkley), AJ, Smitty, Jalen, the way they prepare and take care of their bodies every week–you can learn just by watching them.”
Another change is happening. DeJean moves from absorbing information to being a source of redistributing that information, which requires a different level of accountability on and off the field.
“Now it’s going to take another step, the truth to speak louder, be a leader in the room, help those young guys to come.”
CONSISTENCY IS NON-NEGOTIABLE
Before organized and organized programs and staffs, DeJean’s athletic background was built the way many elite athletes built themselves—by competing and constantly moving. Although it wasn’t for programming at the time, he was building reps and love for the game.
“Growing up, I loved sports, that’s what I really did,” said DeJean. “I was in the back room playing football, showing hoops, going to the park.
That drive and his natural athleticism helped him, but it was his competitive spirit that drove things forward. Wanting to win, and willing to work for you, laid the foundation for where he is now. He always wanted to be a master at whatever he played, and he knew that being a master comes with work.
At the NFL level, that mindset translates to discipline and structure. Fundamentals are more important than ever, especially during a long season where consistency is what separates players.
“The biggest thing is training, lifting, making sure you lift two to three times a week,” he said. “And taking care of your body, and your food.”
THE OFFSEASON IS USED TO BUILD
There hasn’t been much downtime during DeJean’s offseason. The time off gives him a window where he can focus on improving the physical attributes that translate on the field, especially as the demands of the position continue to grow.
‘The biggest thing is the new season is starting strong and fast. He said. “Speed is something you don’t want to lose, so that’s a big factor for me.”
To this end, he has added mobility and flexibility to the mix, understanding that strength and quality of movement are just as important as strength and speed. Training in Scottsdale, AZ with athletic trainer Natalie Kollars.
“He taught me a lot about my body and how the way you train translates to the football field,” said DeJean.
That targeted communication training is what separates regular exercise from performance-driven training. This approach translated into his production during his sophomore campaign. DeJean ranks among the league’s most efficient defenders while limiting big plays and making an impact in both the passing and running game.
Even after a strong season, DeJean is still focused on identifying areas for growth.
“It’s about turning the page… humbling yourself and understanding where you can be better,” she said. “Even the things I’m good at – I’m trying to improve myself too.”
FUEL PROCESSING IS STILL A WORK IN PROGRESS
DeJean is open about the fact that his nutrition isn’t perfect, which is often true for young athletes adjusting to the demands of 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 in other places,” he said. “I like snacks—fruit snacks, chocolate, candy.”
Her honesty means the process is very real, because dialing in nutrition isn’t about perfection—it’s about making consistently better choices over time. His diet has been a big focus this offseason.
Working with Optimum Nutrition has helped simplify that process, especially when it comes to hitting protein targets and supporting his recovery after training.
“I feel like it was a big part of my first season,” DeJean said. “Getting enough protein… their Gold Standard whey protein is easy to use after a workout. It almost adds to my recovery – you respond better after a workout.”
Treatment is more than support. One of the biggest lessons he’s learned so far is how important something often overlooked is to his performance and consistency.
“Sleep, I realized, is the main focus of 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 given. What keeps players on the field is their ability to stay healthy and play consistently over time, which leads to habits that are built far from being noticed.
“Being available every week, that’s a big thing,” DeJean said.
That discovery is built through training, recovery, and discipline. It’s not one thing—all things work together over time.
For DeJean, that’s the next step in his evolution. No more showing you belong. He created a routine that will allow him to stay ready for game day and continue to improve as his career progresses.
Follow Cooper on Instagram @cooperdejea
