The NFL humbles everyone at some point, and for Cooper DeJean, that moment came early. It wasn\u2019t because he wasn\u2019t ready, but because the league forces you to adjust fast\u2014mentally as much as physically. Every player is elite, and the margin between standing out and getting exposed is razor thin.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s part of what made his recent partnership with Optimum Nutrition<\/a> works through his offseason, the focus isn\u2019t just on training harder, but building a routine that supports performance, recovery, and consistency over the long haul.<\/p>\n \u201cI just remember early in my career, being kind of starstruck with some of the guys you\u2019re going up against,\u201d DeJean recalled. \u201cBut once you realize they\u2019re guys just like you. They breathe the same air that you do. That was a big thing for me.\u201d<\/p>\n That shift from seeing opponents as untouchable to seeing them as equals is where DeJean\u2019s confidence started to build. In a league where everyone is talented, confidence isn\u2019t optional. It\u2019s part of performance.<\/p>\n And it\u2019s already showing up. In his second NFL season with the Philadelphia Eagles,<\/a> DeJean finished with 93 total tackles, two interceptions, and 13 pass breakups while emerging as one of the league\u2019s most productive young defensive backs.<\/p>\n Now heading into his third season, DeJean isn\u2019t just relying on ability anymore. He\u2019s building the habits that help him stay consistent week after week.<\/p>\n As the case with most rookies, DeJean didn\u2019t walk into the league ready to take over. A process comes in finding your footing, and it begins with understanding how to prepare at a professional level while adjusting to the speed of the game.<\/p>\n \u201cYou go through that first year, you\u2019re trying to find your way in the NFL,\u201d DeJean said. \u201cThen you carry that into your second year with more confidence.\u201d<\/p>\n That growth didn\u2019t happen in isolation. Being surrounded by vervains who already understand how to train, recover, and prepare at a high level gave him a blueprint to follow.<\/p>\n \u201cDarius Slay was a big part in my development,\u201d he said. \u201cWatching guys like Saquon (Barkley), AJ, Smitty, Jalen, the way they prepare and take care of their body each week\u2013you can learn just by watching them.\u201d<\/p>\n Another shift is occurring. DeJean is moving from absorbing information to becoming the source of redistributing that information, which requires a different level of accountability both on and off the field.<\/p>\n \u201cNow it\u2019s taking another step, truing to be more vocal, be a leader in the room, help those young guys come along.\u201d<\/p>\n Before structured and tailored programs and performance staff, DeJean\u2019s athletic base was built the way a lot of elite athletes were building theirs\u2014through competition and constant movement. While it wasn\u2019t about programming at that stage, he was building reps and a love for the game.<\/p>\n \u201cGrowing up, I loved sports, that\u2019s really all I did,\u201d DeJean said. \u201cI\u2019d be in the backyard playing football, showing hoops, going to the park. I was always active.\u201d<\/p>\n That drive and his natural athleticism helped, but it was his competitive mindset that pushed things further. Wanting to win, and being willing to work for it, laid the groundwork for where he is now. He always wanted to be the best at whatever he was playing, and he knew that being the best came with work.<\/p>\n At the NFL level, that mindset translates into discipline and structure. The basics matter more than ever, especially over a long season where consistency is what separates players.<\/p>\n \u201cThe biggest thing is training, lifting, making sure you\u2019re still lifting two to three times a week,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd taking care of your body, along with your diet.\u201d<\/p>\n There hasn\u2019t been much downtime during the offseason for DeJean. The time off gives him a window where he can focus on improving physical traits that translate to the field, especially as the demands of the position continue to increase.<\/p>\n \u2018The biggest thing every offseason is getting stronger and faster.\u201d He said. \u201cSpeed is something you don\u2019t want to lose, so that\u2019s a big factor for me.\u201d<\/p>\n So far, he\u2019s added mobility and flexibility into the mix, understanding that durability and movement quality are just as important as strength and speed. Training in Scottsdale, AZ with performance coach Natalie Kollars.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s taught me a lot about my body and how the way you train translates to the football field,\u201d DeJean said.<\/p>\n That training with intent connection is what separates general workouts from performance-driven training. This approach translated in to his production during his sophomore campaign. DeJean ranked among the league\u2019s more efficient coverage defenders while limiting big plays and consistently impacting both the pass and run game.<\/p>\n Even after a strong season, DeJean is still focused on identifying areas for growth.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s about turning the page\u2026 being humble and understanding where you can get better,\u201d he said. \u201cEven the things I\u2019m good at \u2013 I\u2019m trying to improve those too.\u201d<\/p>\n DeJean is open about the fact that his nutrition isn\u2019t perfect yet, which is often the reality for younger athletes adjusting to the demands that come from a long season. His structure has greatly improved, but there\u2019s still room to grow.<\/p>\n \u201cI still like to eat like a little kid at some points,\u201d he said. \u201cI like to snack\u2014fruit snacks, chocolate, candy.\u201d<\/p>\n His honesty means the process is indeed real, because dialing in on nutrition isn\u2019t about being perfect\u2014it\u2019s about making better decisions more consistently over time. His diet has been a serious focus this offseason.<\/p>\n Working with Optimum Nutrition<\/a> has helped simplify that process, especially when it comes to hitting protein targets and supports his recovery after training.<\/p>\n \u201cI feel like it\u2019s been a huge part in my offseason,\u201d DeJean said. \u201cGetting enough protein\u2026 their Gold Standard whey protein is easy to use after a workout. It almost adds to my recovery \u2013 you respond better after workouts.\u201d<\/p>\n The recovery goes beyond supplementation. One of the biggest lessons he\u2019s learned so far is how important an often avoided element is in his performance and consistency.<\/p>\n \u201cSleep, I\u2019ve figured out, is the main focus in my recovery,\u201d he said. \u201cThat\u2019s something I need to work on \u2013 having a routine sleep schedule.\u201d<\/p>\n At the highest level, talent is a given. What keeps players on the field is their ability to stay healthy and consistently perform over time, which comes down to the habits built away from the spotlight.<\/p>\n \u201cBeing able to be available every single week, that\u2019s the biggest thing,\u201d DeJean said.<\/p>\n That availability is built through training, recovery, and discipline. It\u2019s not one thing\u2014it\u2019s everything working together over time.<\/p>\n For DeJean, that\u2019s the next step in his evolution. It\u2019s no longer about proving he belongs. He\u2019s building a routine that will allow him to stay ready for reach game day and continue to improve as his career progresses.<\/p>\n Follow Cooper on Instagram @cooperdejea<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nBUILDING SKILLS TO BUILD CONFIDENCE<\/h2>\n
CONSISTENCY IS A NON-NEGOTIABLE<\/h2>\n
![\"Cooper](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.muscleandfitness.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Cooper-DeJean-scooping-out-supplements.jpg?quality=86&strip=all\")
<\/div>THE OFFSEASON IS USED FOR BUILDING<\/h2>\n
![\"Cooper](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.muscleandfitness.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Cooper-DeJean-at-the-Gym-with-his-supplements.jpg?quality=86&strip=all\")
<\/div>FUELING PERFORMANCE IS STILL A WORK IN PROGRESS<\/h2>\n
STAYING IN THE LEAGUE COMES DOWN TO AVAILABILITY<\/h2>\n