A.J. Brown Takes on Leadership Role, Mentors Philly’s Next Big Defensive Star

Cooper DeJean may have captured national attention with a viral tackle on Derrick Henry and a pick-six in the Super Bowl, but according to A.J. Brown, the real test begins now.

The Eagles’ star wide receiver isn’t just pushing himself in training camp—he’s made it his personal mission to elevate DeJean to greatness.

“I call him All-Pro Coop… APC,” Brown said with a grin. “It’s going to be a year for him. I’m not trying to put pressure on him, but I tell him all the time: I’m going to make you All-Pro. That starts in camp, each and every day.”

DeJean, a 2024 second-round pick, is coming off a promising rookie season. He appeared in all 16 games, starting nine, recording 51 tackles, 6 pass deflections, a forced fumble, and a crucial pick-six off Patrick Mahomes in the biggest game of his life.

And now, he’s being battle-tested daily against one of the most dominant WRs in the NFL.

Brown, who has topped 1,000 receiving yards in three straight seasons since joining the Eagles in 2022, knows what it takes to be elite. And with DeJean practicing against Philly’s stacked WR corps, including Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Parris Campbell, the young DB is sharpening fast.

“Honestly, it’s part of my responsibility—our responsibility as wide receivers—to get those guys ready,” Brown added. “And vice versa.”

With the CB2 spot still open and expectations rising, DeJean finds himself right in the middle of the spotlight. But he’s not alone. With a mentor like A.J. Brown in his ear—and across from him in drills—his second-year leap might just live up to the hype.

Brown believes it. So do the fans. And that belief is becoming contagious at camp.