Cooper DeJean Still 'Sick' Over Gophers-Iowa Fair Catch Controversy

Minnesota's win over the Hawkeyes in 2023 is still fresh in DeJean's mind.

Dec 14, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper Dejean (33) walks off the field after win against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

It has been more than 830 days since the Gophers beat Iowa at Kinnick Stadium 12-10 on October 21, 2023. It was a significant win for Minnesota, which had not won in Iowa City since 1999 before that game, and the Hawkeyes still can't seem to believe the result.

Iowa defensive back and punt returner Cooper DeJean had a controversial touchdown late in the fourth quarter that was called back due to an invalid fair catch signal. The Hawkeyes threw an interception three plays later, and Minnesota won 12-10.

Oct 21, 2023; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (8) holds the Floyd of Rosedale trophy with teammates after the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

DeJean proceeded to get drafted 40th overall in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles. He won the Super Bowl as a rookie, and he's now rumored to be dating WWE superstar Nikki Bella.

Despite all of his success, ESPN media personality Pat McAfee asked DeJean about the controversial punt return during an interview on The Pat McAfee Show at Super Bowl week in California on Wednesday.

"It still makes me sick to this day... I wasn't even waving for a fair catch, unfortunately. That wasn't even what they were reviewing the play for," DeJean responded. "I've never heard about the invalid fair catch call before in my life, to be honest, before that day."

"I wasn't waving for a fair catch..

I had never seen the invalid fair catch called before that day" ~ @cooperdejean #PMSLive https://t.co/t9uA9C2gPk pic.twitter.com/AQto7DJaUV

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 4, 2026

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Iowa gotten the better end of the rivalry since the 2023 game. The Hawkeyes have dominated the Gophers by a combined score of 72-17 over the last two seasons. DeJean was a first-team All-Pro in just his second NFL season, but he still can't get over losing to Minnesota as a senior.

The Gophers will look to have a better performance in the battle for Floyd of Rosedale in 2026 when they host the Hawkeyes on Oct. 24 at Huntington Bank Stadium in Week 8 next season.