Cooper DeJean may have underestimated WNBA Rookie of the Year Caitlin Clark when he suggested he could outplay her in basketball, and the Indiana Fever star even ended up sending him a text in response to his prediction.

The NFL hopeful and former Iowa University attendee, who shares an alma mater with Clark, sparked controversy with his bold claim earlier this year that he could take down the Fever’s superstar rookie guard on the court.

Cooper faced backlash after telling Yahoo! Sports in May: “I think I can [beat Clark one-on-one]. She’d probably score a few buckets on me, but I think I could pull it off.”

Despite the confident tone of his remarks, which some found contentious, Clark responded coolly, according to DeJean’s later comments. “She took a shot back at me,” he shared with sportscaster Kay Adams.

“She texted me, and she said didn’t think that I could beat her. I’ll let her say that, but yeah, I mean, I think it’d be fun if we got to play each other.”

Now 21, DeJean was picked by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2024 NFL Draft, yet his prowess on the basketball court is notable too; he scored 1,832 points in high school, ranking him third in Iowa state history for that level.

Cooper DeJean still wants to play Caitlin Clark one on one

Cooper DeJean still wants to play Caitlin Clark one on one ( 

Image:

Elsa/Getty Images)

Despite the cornerback expressing “nothing but respect” for Clark and her achievements, the WNBA sensation felt compelled to defend her reputation. DeJean spent his college years honing his skills in football and sprinting, a decision that seems to have paid off handsomely.

The rookie is still finding his feet at Lincoln Financial Field, yet he’s starting to make his mark as an Eagle. With seven solo tackles and three tackle assists in his last two games, DeJean is becoming increasingly influential in Philadelphia’s fortunes.

Contrast this with Clark, who has emerged as the new poster girl of the WNBA and ignited a surge in league interest. It appears the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer was more than willing to remind DeJean who she believes wears the crown between them.