Key Highlights
- Nikki Garcia’s unexpected shout-out at a WWE event sparks romance rumors with Cooper DeJean.
- DeJean addresses the rumors while speaking to PEOPLE on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026.
- The duo first sparked whispers in December 2025, when Garcia appeared at an event chanting “Coop.”
- Nikki coyly replies about her taste in men during a viral video response.
The Shout-Out That Sparked Rumors
Cooper DeJean, the 22-year-old cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles, found himself at the center of some unexpected attention. On Monday, February 2, 2026, the Hall of Fame wrestler Nikki Garcia, along with her sister Brie, performed in a WWE event at Philadelphia’s Xfinity Mobile Arena. The audience broke into a chant of “Coop,” seemingly referencing DeJean. But it wasn’t just any simple shout-out; it was a name that got people talking.
Rumors and Reactions
According to the original article, this unexpected moment at the WWE event was enough to reignite romance rumors between DeJean and Garcia, who had first sparked whispers in December 2025. When asked about her response, Nikki Garcia coyly replied, “Can you blame a girl for having good taste? I mean, Pro Bowl, baby,” in a video that went viral on X.
DeJean’s Response
When DeJean spoke with PEOPLE’s Janine Rubenstein in San Francisco at the SiriusXM set at Media Row, he seemed genuinely surprised by the big moment. “It was crazy to kind of see that,” he admits while blushing through a grin. “I don’t know. I didn’t really expect that. Obviously it was in Philly, so… It’s pretty wild.” DeJean is clearly caught off guard and perhaps even a bit flattered by the attention.
Other Ventures
In addition to the whirlwind of romance rumors, DeJean also opened up about his partnership with Optimum Nutrition. “We got the 40-gram protein shake right here,” he says, describing it as “good for on the go post-workout whenever you may need it.” He adds that he’s been using it to “keep my body ready to go each and every week.” Training is starting up again for the 2026 NFL season, so DeJean is clearly focused on his fitness regimen.
