ODEBOLT, Iowa — In the small farming community where Cooper DeJean crafted football strategies during elementary school and guided friends in executing them at recess, locals are preparing an exciting celebration to watch the Super Bowl featuring their hometown hero.
The Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive back has brought hope and joy back to Odebolt, Iowa, a quaint town of just 920 residents that was once known for its popcorn production.
According to residents, DeJean has become a source of motivation for children across the four towns that make up the local school district in this isolated region of Western Iowa, where he once played quarterback in stadiums surrounded by cornfields.
“Everyone is cheering for him because of the way he carries himself,” shared Larry Allen, DeJean’s former high school football coach. “Cooper is incredibly humble; he doesn’t boast about his achievements. Instead, he lets his performance on the field speak for itself.”
This Sunday, supporters will congregate at the Odebolt Community Building for a watch party commemorated as the “Cooper Bowl.” Many attendees plan to sport specially made Eagles green T-shirts featuring DeJean’s jersey number 33, coinciding with his 22nd birthday on Super Bowl Sunday.
“The entire town is buzzing with excitement,” remarked Cory Duff, who runs The Bolt Drive-In, a local eatery. “His success has reinvigorated the community and uplifted everyone around here.”
Despite being an unwavering fan of the Denver Broncos, Duff stated, “I even purchased his jersey.” He added, “While people have their own favorite teams, when the Eagles play, the whole town tunes in.”
Cooper’s father, Jason DeJean, expressed his gratitude for a heartfelt video crafted by school staff, showcasing many children and educators sending their best wishes to his son. “They gathered on the playground and spelled out ‘Cooper,’” Jason recalled. The nearly five-minute video features adorable moments, including elementary students mimicking birds while singing the team’s fight song, “Fly Eagles Fly.”
Since DeJean began excelling on the football field at the University of Iowa, “the support from this community has been overwhelming,” his father noted. “Now, you can see Eagle jerseys everywhere with the number 33. It’s wonderful to witness the enthusiasm and backing this community provides.”
After leading his high school team to consecutive state football titles in his final two years, DeJean transitioned to a remarkable career at the University of Iowa, where he earned All-American honors. He was selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Eagles.
Only a handful of athletes from the small Western Valley Activities Conference towns manage to play at major universities, making DeJean’s journey from Odebolt to the Iowa Hawkeyes and, ultimately, to the Philadelphia Eagles an extraordinary story in this part of Western Iowa.
DeJean’s relentless work ethic connects him to legendary athletes from various regions of the state, including former Iowa Hawkeye and WNBA star Caitlin Clark of West Des Moines, and Pro Football Hall of Famer Kurt Warner from Burlington, who played high school football in Cedar Rapids.
DeJean’s ascent to the Super Bowl has shone a light on Odebolt, but the dirt field he played on during his formative years laid the groundwork for the town’s recognition.
A two-lane highway travels from the Loess Hills in Iowa’s western area, past expansive wind farms and crop fields, leading to Odebolt. A 20-mile stretch of Iowa Highway 175 links the towns that send students to DeJean’s former high school: Battle Creek, Ida Grove, Odebolt, and the tiny town of Arthur, which has a population of just 222.
In this vast landscape, livestock numbers significantly exceed the human population. The county encompassing Odebolt has about 46,000 cattle—more than four times the area’s population of 9,800, according to USDA statistics.
The fertile soil around Odebolt was ideal for cultivating popcorn, prompting Chicago’s Cracker Jack Company to establish it as a key supplier for their snacks. The company’s executive vice president, E.R. Shields, praised the pioneering spirit of Odebolt’s founders, who transformed the wilderness into a thriving community. He recognized their descendants as “shining examples of strength, fortitude, and foresight that have made your community ‘The Popcorn Center of the World,’” according to a 1938 letter in the Odebolt Chronicle.
Residents who know DeJean remark that they see similar resilience and determination in his character. They speak highly not only of his dedication to sports but also of his genuine nature in life.
“He is incredibly humble and won’t forget where he’s from,” Duff concluded.
