The champions of the 59th Super Bowl will celebrate with a parade on Valentine's Day in Philadelphia.
I can say with pride, the state of Iowa is celebrating this victory with Cooper DeJean, a hometown hero and former Iowa Hawkeye.
On Super Bowl Sunday, he made history on his 22nd birthday in his rookie season with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Cooper grew up in the northwest Iowa farming community of Odebolt, population 985.
He was a four-star varsity athlete in high school, competing with the Odebolt-Arthur-Battle Creek-Ida Grove Falcons.
From Odebolt he went to the University of Iowa, becoming a two-time, All-American cornerback.
Last year, Cooper was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles.
As you would expect, his hometown had a Watch Party on Sunday – they called it the “Cooper Bowl;” and boy, did Cooper shine.
He had a thrilling, 38-yard pick-6 in the second quarter.
Cooper made Super Bowl history, becoming the first player to intercept a pass or score a touchdown on his birthday.
The young man from Odebolt was spotted entering the Superdome in New Orleans wearing his high school letterman jacket.
He also had “712 to 215” printed on his cleats – an homage to his hometown area code and his new Philadelphia area code.
Congratulations, Cooper.
You're a role model for young athletes to dream big and put in the work.
A small-town kid from Western Iowa made history and made all Iowans proud.
We look forward to watching you shine for many years to come.
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