Eagles’ DeJean Defends Iowa’s Climate in Playful Practice Banter

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — Former Iowa football star Cooper DeJean found himself defending his home state’s climate during a recent Philadelphia Eagles practice session. The rookie cornerback, a second-round NFL Draft pick in 2024, engaged in playful banter with teammate Darius Slay about Iowa’s weather.

“Does it get warm? Yeah, it gets warm,” DeJean, a native of Odebolt, Iowa, told Slay during practice. The exchange began when Slay, a 12-year NFL veteran, questioned whether Iowa ever experiences warm weather.

“I just can never see Iowa being warm,” Slay, who played collegiately at Mississippi State, quipped. DeJean responded, “Only in the summertime, really.” Slay pressed further, asking, “Only in the summertime? So y’all got no warm time except the summertime?” DeJean conceded, “Pretty much.”

Slay, clearly unimpressed, joked, “Nah, that’s not it for me. You have to move.” The lighthearted conversation highlighted the cultural differences between the Midwest and other regions, even among professional athletes.

DeJean, a former Hawkeye All-American, is preparing for his first NFL playoff game with the Eagles. The team will host the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday in Philadelphia, where the forecast predicts a high of 42 degrees — a temperature DeJean might consider mild compared to Iowa winters.

The rookie has quickly become a key contributor to the Eagles’ defense this season, showcasing the skills that made him a standout at the University of Iowa. His ability to adapt to the NFL has impressed teammates and coaches alike, even as he faces good-natured ribbing about his Midwestern roots.

As the Eagles gear up for their playoff matchup, DeJean’s focus remains on the field. However, his exchange with Slay serves as a reminder of the camaraderie and humor that often emerge in high-pressure environments like professional sports.