When Cooper DeJean takes the field this Sunday for Super Bowl LIX, the cameras will be focused on his performance as a rookie cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles. But behind every great athlete is a support system, and for Cooper, that foundation was built early—shaped by his parents, Katie (Wilke) and Jason DeJean.
In Part 1 of this story, we highlighted Katie’s remarkable career as a Briar Cliff University basketball standout and how her own athletic journey laid the foundation for Cooper’s success.
This week has been incredibly busy for the DeJeans, with all the excitement leading up to the big game. But despite everything, Katie took time out of her packed schedule to reflect on her journey as both an athlete and a parent, sharing some heartfelt insights with us that we share below in Part 2.
Letting Passion Lead the Way
Many parents of elite athletes struggle with finding the right balance between pushing their kids and letting them discover their own paths. For Katie and Jason, the approach was clear: let Cooper’s love for the game guide him. "We could see at a young age that he just loved sports! He would never sit still, and when he did, it was to watch ESPN or some sporting event on TV," Katie recalled.
Rather than forcing extra training or demanding year-round specialization, they let Cooper explore different sports at his own pace.
"We never MADE him do anything—whether it was working out, travel sports, or training. He wanted to, so we encouraged him and just emphasized staying humble throughout the process."
That philosophy allowed Cooper to develop into a multi-sport athlete, excelling in football, basketball, and baseball before focusing on football at the University of Iowa.
The Highs and Lows of Raising an Athlete
Athletic success doesn’t come without challenges. From youth leagues to college football, there were setbacks, injuries, and disappointments along the way. But Katie’s experience as a student-athlete at Briar Cliff helped her prepare Cooper for those inevitable ups and downs.
"One of the most important things you learn as a college athlete is being a team player—whether on the court or in the classroom working on projects. That carries over to the work environment, too," she said. "You also learn how to deal with discipline and the highs and lows of winning and losing, good grades and bad grades. All of that builds resilience."
That mindset became crucial as Cooper battled through injuries and the intense competition that comes with playing at an elite level.
A Proud Mom Watching a Dream Unfold
For Katie, watching her son prepare for the biggest game of his life has been a surreal experience.
"It has truly been a great experience, and we are so thankful we’ve gotten to be with him on his journey from youth, to high school, to college, to the NFL," she said.
"Now, to get to experience the ultimate dream of any kid—the Super Bowl—it’s surreal, honestly. But he has stayed true to himself, put in the hard work, and dedicated so much time to becoming the best he can be. He has definitely earned this experience, and we as parents couldn’t be more excited for him."
As Cooper takes the field Sunday (Feb 9), Katie will be watching with the same competitive spirit she brought to her own playing days at Briar Cliff. And no matter where his career takes him next, one thing is certain: his foundation was built on the values of hard work, humility, and passion for the game—values his mother helped instill from the very start.
Photo Credits:
Philadelphia Eagles
Cooper DeJean Instagram