In the heart of Iowa's farm country, the small town of Odebolt buzzes with excitement as one of their own, Cooper DeJean, prepares to take the national stage at the Super Bowl. Nestled in Western Iowa, Odebolt, formerly known as the Popcorn Capital of the World, is set to host a grand celebration in honor of the Philadelphia Eagles' defensive back and their local hero.
Cooper DeJean's journey from drawing up football plays during school recess to playing in the Super Bowl is nothing short of remarkable. As a native of Odebolt, his rise in the world of football has been a beacon of inspiration, especially for the children in the towns forming the area's local school district. Here, where cornfields replace cityscapes, DeJean's story has become one of hope and aspiration.
On this Super Bowl Sunday, Odebolt's community will gather at the Odebolt Community Building for a celebration aptly named the “Cooper Bowl.” With special Eagles green T-shirts and the gathering of friends and family, the event also doubles as a birthday party for DeJean, who turns 22 on the very same day.
The entire town is swept up in excitement, shared Cory Duff, the owner of The Bolt Drive-In, a beloved local eatery. There's a renewed energy here. The support has been overwhelming. Despite being a staunch Denver Broncos fan, Duff couldn’t resist purchasing DeJean’s jersey, exemplifying the unified support of the entire town.
Support for DeJean has been heartfelt. A video crafted by local school employees captures their emotions perfectly. Children and teachers can be seen sending their best wishes, with elementary students creatively imitating birds as they sing the Eagles' fight song, “Fly Eagles Fly.” It's a testament to the community spirit that has rallied behind DeJean since his college days at the University of Iowa.
DeJean's college career with the Iowa Hawkeyes was illustrious, his talent earning him All-American honors. The Philadelphia Eagles recognized this potential, drafting him in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. His story is one of the few that emerge from the small towns of Western Iowa, making his journey from Odebolt to professional football a significantly rare achievement.
It's not common for a young athlete from a town of just under 1,000 residents to find themselves on such a massive stage as the Super Bowl. However, DeJean's dedication and work ethic have paved his path, echoing the endeavors of other notable Iowan athletes like former WNBA star Caitlin Clark and Pro Football Hall of Famer Kurt Warner.
Odebolt's pride is not just in DeJean's football achievements but also in the qualities that mark his character. Residents see in him the same diligence and integrity found in their community's early settlers who helped turn the town into a thriving part of the nation. The rich, black soil around Odebolt, once ideal for growing popcorn, has played a symbolic role in both nourishing the land and the talents like DeJean.
Highway 175, a vital stretch of road, connects these midwestern towns, binding communities like Battle Creek, Ida Grove, and Arthur to Odebolt's high school. Here, families share stories of cattle and crops, and now, conversations about a local hero making history on one of the world's biggest sports stages.
The vibrant legacy of Odebolt as the Popcorn Center of the World reflects the essence of the community's resilience and fortitude—a spirit beautifully mirrored in Cooper DeJean's achievements. As Odebolt tunes in to watch the Super Bowl, their pride in DeJean transcends touchdowns and underscores the unyielding support of small-town America.
