A.J. Brown faces off against former teammate Cooper DeJean in new rivalry

A.J. Brown is back in the spotlight as rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean openly targets the Eagles star in his first NFL training camp.

DeJean, the Iowa alum selected 33rd overall in April’s draft, made his intentions clear this week: he wants a shot at his former Hawkeyes teammate.

What did Cooper DeJean say?

DeJean told reporters on 18 July that he’s already thinking about lining up across from Brown when the Eagles open camp in Philadelphia.

“A.J. Brown is a guy I’ve got a lot of respect for,” DeJean said. “I’d love to go up against him.”

The 22-year-old rookie added that the matchup would give him a chance to prove he belongs in the league.

Why it matters for A.J. Brown

Brown left Iowa after the 2022 season and became a Pro Bowl receiver with the Eagles, finishing second in the NFL with 1,459 receiving yards last year.

His production has made him a marquee name in Philadelphia-and now a target for rookies eager to make their mark.

DeJean’s comment puts a fresh spotlight on Brown, who’s already one of the league’s top receivers heading into training camp.

How the rivalry could unfold

The Eagles open camp on 24 July, with preseason games starting in August.

If DeJean earns a role, a Week 1 matchup against the Giants could set the stage for their first NFL faceoff.

Brown has faced rookie corners before, but DeJean’s hunger adds a new layer to the competition.

What comes next

DeJean will battle for snaps in a crowded Eagles secondary this summer.

Brown, meanwhile, is focused on defending his Pro Bowl status-and silencing rookies who want to take him on.