For those who watched the Philadelphia Eagles this season, you will have heard one new title fairly a number of instances: Cooper DeJean.
As a rookie cornerback and punt returner for the Eagles, DeJean made a popularity for himself in 2024. In 16 recreation 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 on the point of 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 getting 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 whenever you’re making a push for the Championship?
CD: It’s an unbelievable expertise. The vitality in Philly is electrical, and after we’re on a Championship run, the complete metropolis feels prefer it’s behind us. The locker room is buzzing, and the workforce chemistry is at an all-time excessive. Everybody’s locked in and targeted on the identical aim, 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 encourage you as a participant?
CD: Philly followers are subsequent stage—they’re passionate, loyal, and so they maintain us accountable. You’ll be able to really feel their vitality on recreation day, and it drives you to present the whole lot you’ve bought. You don’t simply play for the workforce; you play for town.
MFP: What position does vitamin play in your efficiency, particularly throughout a protracted season with powerful video games?
CD: Diet is the whole lot—it’s the inspiration for a way I carry out. With out the appropriate gasoline, I can’t carry my finest to the sector. It’s not nearly vitality; it’s about restoration, focus, and staying wholesome via a grueling schedule.
MFP: MyFitnessPal is the proud vitamin monitoring app of the Philadelphia Eagles, serving to gamers observe their meals and personalize their plans. How has it helped you optimize your vitamin for efficiency?
CD: I used to be excited to accomplice 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 personalised meal plans that the Eagles workforce chef supplies are unbelievable. I can give attention to precisely what my physique must get better 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 velocity, agility, and fast restoration. I want fast-burning carbs for explosive vitality 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 give attention to lean proteins, recent greens, and wholesome fat to maintain my vitality up with out feeling weighed down. MyFitnessPal helps me and my workforce observe all of that in order that I’m prepared for apply and game-day calls for.
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MFP: Are there any particular meals or meals you swear by to remain in peak situation to your position?
CD: I’m an enormous 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 apply, I give attention to restoration meals like grilled hen, candy potatoes, and spinach. Staying hydrated can be large 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 recreation are large. I make sure that I’m getting the appropriate gasoline, protecting my restoration on level, and taking time to mentally reset. The psychological recreation is simply as necessary because the bodily or dietary, particularly at this stage.
MFP: Waiting for the Large Recreation, what do you assume would be the greatest problem for you as a participant and for the workforce as a complete?
CD: The largest problem is sustaining that razor-sharp focus and bodily explosiveness via the entire recreation. As a cornerback, I’ve to be able to lock down my task on each play, and as a punt returner, I’m always excited about positioning and making split-second selections. However I can’t let the second get too large. It’s straightforward to get caught up within the hype, however on the finish of the day, it’s simply one other recreation. 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 title for the second time prior to now decade? You’ll have to look at them battle it out in opposition to the defending champs on Sunday, February 8 at 6:30pm ET/3:30pm PT to search out out.
The submit Cooper DeJean Reveals What It’s Like Being a Rookie On the Philadelphia Eagles appeared first on MyFitnessPal Weblog.