Cooper DeJean, the Philadelphia Eagles cornerback, has addressed rumors swirling around a possible romance with WWE star Nikki Bella. The 22-year-old NFL player, who has been connected to the 42-year-old wrestler following their appearance together at the Eagles’ training camp this past summer, remained noncommittal when questioned about the nature of their relationship. The chatter intensified after Bella, a known Eagles fan, was seen sitting in DeJean’s locker room during a December game against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Fans Notice Bella’s Presence During Eagles Games and WWE Events
Bella publicly acknowledged the speculation during a WWE show in Philadelphia, reacting with humor when her twin sister Brie pointed out the crowd chanting “Coop” in her honor. The pro wrestling icon, known for her charisma both inside and outside the ring, quipped,
“Can you blame a girl for having good taste? I mean, Pro Bowl baby!”
following the crowd’s cheers. This playful exchange highlighted the growing public intrigue over her connection to DeJean.
DeJean’s Comments in Interview With Kay Adams
DeJean further responded to the rumors during an appearance on Kay Adams’ FanDuel show “Up & Adams.” When Adams teased him about Nikki Bella possibly being an “aunt” while speaking of his role as a “fun uncle” to teammate Reed Blankenship’s upcoming baby, DeJean laughed it off, stating:
“Good one. I don’t know about that, she’s a good friend.”
He also downplayed Bella’s comment about having “good taste,” adding with a smile,
“Who’s she talking about? She could be talking about anybody.”
The Eagles player went on to praise Bella’s wrestling career, saying,
“She is [a legend], she’s amazing at what she does. She’s been doing it for a long time.”
Public Reaction at WWE Events and Media Hints
During Monday Night Raw events held at the Xfinity Mobile Arena, the Philadelphia crowd’s chant of “Coop” caught Bella’s attention, prompting her to initially mistake it for boos directed at the Eagles’ failure to make the Super Bowl. Brie quickly corrected her, letting her know the chant was actually for DeJean. The playful moment only fueled further speculation about their relationship.
Adding to the intrigue, when Bella entered the ring in late December, she wore colors inspired by the Philadelphia Eagles. WWE announcers noticed her attire, with one remarking on air,
“She’s got those nice Philadelphia Eagles colors on…”
This subtle nod hinted at the connection between Bella and the NFL team’s star cornerback.
Background and Current Status of the Relationship
Despite previous indications that DeJean was distancing himself from romantic speculation, including a John Cena-themed celebration that some interpreted as a subtle reference to Bella’s ex-fiance, reports last month suggested that Bella is attracted to the young NFL player. According to sources, Bella is “smitten” and enjoys playfully talking about DeJean with her friends. However, she is choosing to keep the relationship casual, emphasizing a focus on having fun and living the single life.
An insider explained,
“Cooper is in the middle of football season so he can’t do much until it’s over. That’s why they’re keeping it casual and not forcing anything.”
Reports also note that Bella celebrated New Year’s Eve with her sister, reinforcing that the relationship is still in its early stages.
Implications of the Rumors and What May Lie Ahead
The bubbling romance rumors between Cooper DeJean and Nikki Bella have captivated fans of both sports and entertainment, combining the energy of the NFL and WWE worlds. While both have been careful to characterize their relationship as friendship or casual, the public interest continues to grow with every shared appearance and subtle hint. Given DeJean’s ongoing football season and Bella’s wrestling commitments, this potential relationship may remain low-key for the near future.
As the NFL season wraps and WWE events continue, fans and media alike will likely watch closely for any further signs of the evolving connection between the two Philadelphia favorites. Whether it develops into a serious relationship or remains a close friendship, their interactions underscore the intriguing crossover of sports celebrities and wrestling icons in modern pop culture.
Uncle Cooper DeJean…
Aunt Nikki Bella????! pic.twitter.com/EdHJ7njurd
— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) February 4, 2026
