Cooper DeJean: ‘I Followed Every Step of Slay’ – How He Became the NFL’s Rookie Nightmare

When Cooper DeJean arrived in Philadelphia, he was a second-round draft pick still recovering from a hamstring injury, uncertain if he could even keep up with NFL speed. Fast-forward to February 2025: he picked off Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl and returned it for a touchdown—on his birthday. That kind of storyline doesn’t just happen by accident.

Behind DeJean’s breakout campaign lies a veteran influence that many fans might overlook: Darius Slay. Nicknamed “Big Play Slay,” the six-time Pro Bowl cornerback didn’t just give pointers—he gave DeJean a blueprint.

“I followed everything Slay did—how he studied, how he moved in practice, even how he communicated on the sideline,” DeJean revealed in a post-Super Bowl interview. “He was more than a teammate. He was my North Star.”

Slay, a well-respected leader in the Eagles’ locker room, had taken DeJean under his wing from the moment the rookie walked into the NovaCare Complex. Whether it was one-on-one film sessions or late-night texts breaking down opposing receivers, Slay treated DeJean not as competition, but as legacy.

That guidance paid off. DeJean quickly adjusted to the NFL pace, eventually locking down the nickel corner position and becoming a staple of Vic Fangio’s revitalized defense. His six pass breakups and zero touchdowns allowed over the season proved that he wasn’t just learning—he was mastering.

“Sometimes I’d see Slay clap from the sideline when I made a read before the ball was snapped,” DeJean said. “That meant everything to me.”

The relationship between DeJean and Slay goes deeper than strategy—it’s about mentorship, brotherhood, and legacy. With Slay now moving on to the Pittsburgh Steelers, he leaves behind more than just stats—he leaves a protégé who may very well be his successor in both spirit and skill.