Cooper DeJean, the 22-year-old cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles, remained elusive when asked about his rumored romance with WWE star Nikki Bella. The speculation began last summer after they were photographed together at the Eagles’ training camp and intensified following her appearance at the Eagles’ December victory over the Raiders in Philadelphia. Bella, a devoted Eagles fan, was seen taking pictures in front of DeJean’s locker, fueling further interest in their connection.
When Nikki Bella returned to Philadelphia’s Xfinity Mobile Arena for a WWE event, the crowd’s reaction to her presence hinted at their curiosity about her personal life. Bella and her sister Brie initially mistook the cheers for boos, prompting a lighthearted exchange between them. Nikki asked,
“Is that for the Eagles not getting in the Super Bowl or us?”
Brie guessed the crowd was cheering for DeJean, and Nikki responded playfully,
“Can you blame a girl for having good taste? I mean, Pro Bowl baby!”
DeJean’s Reaction to Public Attention on Their Relationship
On the day after DeJean participated in his first Pro Bowl alongside teammate Quinyon Mitchell, he appeared on Kay Adams’ show and faced direct questions about Nikki Bella. When Adams linked him to Bella by mentioning the prospect of being a “fun uncle” alongside Eagles teammate Reed Blankenship’s upcoming baby and adding “And Aunt Nikki Bella?”, DeJean responded with a grin but declined to confirm the romance.
“Good one. I’m not so sure about that—she’s a good friend,”
DeJean said, deflecting the question with humor. On Bella’s comment about her having “good taste,” he replied,
“She could be talking about anyone,”
keeping the details ambiguous. He also praised Nikki Bella’s long and successful wrestling career, adding,
“[Nikki’s] amazing at what she does. She’s been doing it for a long time.”
Farewell Message for Former Eagles Coach Christian Parker
Earlier in late January, news broke that Christian Parker, formerly the Eagles’ passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach, joined the Dallas Cowboys as their defensive coordinator. Parker’s move marked a significant coaching change for the Eagles. DeJean, expressing his appreciation, tweeted his regret, saying,
“Man. They got a great one wouldn’t be the player I am without Coach CP.”
The cornerback acknowledged his close relationship with Parker and the coach’s substantial impact on his development as a player, stating,
“I could say a lot of thing about him, what he meant to me. I don’t think I’d be the player that I am or not have the success that I’ve had without him.”
Shortly after Parker’s departure, the Eagles promoted safeties coach Joe Kasper into Parker’s former role.
DeJean’s Impact and Progress Since Joining the Eagles
Cooper DeJean was selected 40th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Iowa. Since joining the Eagles, he has become a key defensive player with 32 regular-season appearances. His statistics include 144 combined tackles, 22 pass deflections, two interceptions, one forced fumble, three forced returns, and half a sack, signaling his growing influence on the team’s defense.
Significance and Outlook
Cooper DeJean’s rising career with the Philadelphia Eagles, alongside his cautious approach to his rumored relationship with Nikki Bella, keeps fans intrigued about his future both on and off the field. His apparent respect for his former coach Christian Parker and his recent Pro Bowl appearance reflect a player focused on growth and professional success. As news unfolds regarding DeJean’s personal life, supporters and the media remain eager for clarification, but for now, he maintains a friendly yet guarded stance, allowing his accomplishments on the field to take center stage.
Cooper DeJean smiling at home right now#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/5VcF2imdh5
— CrispyWrestling (@CrispyWrestlin) February 3, 2026
2026 Pro Bowl Games ✅ pic.twitter.com/rW4UjdZWwy
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) February 4, 2026
"She's saying she got good taste? She could be talking about anybody."
Eagles CB Cooper DeJean responds to rumors about him and wrestler Nikki Bella 👀@cooperdejean | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/bmBrtc42bC
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) February 4, 2026
Mannnn😔. They got a great one wouldn’t be the player I am without Coach CP🫡 https://t.co/AyQycoOsPs
— Cooper DeJean (@cooperdejean) January 22, 2026
— Cooper DeJean (@cooperdejean) January 26, 2026
