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Eagles Rookie’s Heartbreaking Story Before His NFL Breakthrough

Posted August 21, 2025

Philadelphia, PA – August 20, 2025

Through two preseason games, one undrafted wideout has forced his way into the Eagles’ roster conversation. Darius Cooper—undrafted out of Tarleton State—announced himself in the opener with 6 receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown, including a 20-yard strike from Tanner McKee that lit up Lincoln Financial Field.

Week 2 brought a dose of reality in a 22–13 loss to the Browns, where Cooper was held without a catch—but coaches and writers still noted his effort and continued push for a roster spot as camp winds down. 

Practice hasn’t quieted the buzz either. In the final camp tune-up, Jalen Hurts repeatedly found Cooper for scores, a sign that the rookie’s timing and trust with the starters are real—not just a preseason mirage. 

Up next is the last audition: Eagles at Jets, Friday, August 22, 7:30 PM ET at MetLife Stadium (how to watch/stream below). For Philadelphia, it’s about locking in those final spots. For Cooper, it’s one more night to turn momentum into a job. 

But every highlight casts a shadow that doesn’t show up on a stat sheet.

“My parents divorced when I was 10. Both went on to build new families, while I lived a tough but happy life with my grandparents and never saw them again. Now, as I earn my first paycheck, they’ve both returned to congratulate me.”

The sentiment fits the way Cooper plays: turning fracture into fuel, lonely work into consistent separation, and every contested catch into a declaration that he belongs.

Cutdown day looms on Monday, August 26 (4:00 p.m. ET)—clipboards, grades, and tough decisions. For the Eagles, it’s a numbers game. For Darius Cooper, it’s the chance to turn survival into belonging—and belonging into a career

Eagles Star CB Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Cooper DeJean is mourning a profound personal loss following the team’s Week 5 game , as his cousin Justin Fuller a respected military-trained skydiving instructor, died in a tragic tandem jump accident near Nashville.   Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his parachute harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters. Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending its personnel for the effort. Justin Fuller, known by the nickname "Spidey," died after a tandem skydiving jump went wrong on Oct. 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee.  (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey ) Fuller, known affectionately as “Spidey,” had completed more than 5,000 jumps and trained U.S. military personnel in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused, and committed to lifting others higher — both in life and in the air.”   DeJean —whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller’s mother, grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Dejean that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how he lives and plays today.” In the Eagles’ defensive system, DeJean has steadily earned complete trust thanks to his versatility — working outside at corner, in the slot (nickel), and on coverage units — and standing out for top-end speed, precise tackling angles, and the ability to read quarterbacks. Coaches describe him as “calm, wise beyond his years, and disciplined at the catch point,” consistently maintaining leverage and finishing clean in tight spaces. Through the first five games of 2025, DeJean has played every defensive snap and totaled 36 tackles (26 solo) with five passes defensed, reinforcing his value on the perimeter and inside.  The Philadelphia Eagles have provided time and private support for DeJean and his family, ensuring he can grieve without team-related obligations. Teammates have stood beside him, honoring both his resilience and his family’s tradition of service. An FAA investigation into the accident is underway, while tributes to “Spidey” continue to pour in across social media from military colleagues, fellow skydivers, and fans nationwide.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. DeJean kept his public remarks brief before being embraced by teammates:“He taught me not to fear the height — only the moment you forget to look down and pull someone else up with you. This week, I’m playing for him.”