Exciting Whites: Eagles Fans Thrilled as Cooper DeJean and Reed Blankenship Show Up in Matching T-Shirts

The Philadelphia Eagles have taken a page out of an old, successful playbook in the NFL—a playbook that once belonged to none other than the New England Patriots. During their dynasty years, the Patriots cornered the market on white receivers, a bold move that led to multiple championships. The secret? When the whole league zigged, they zagged, assembling a team of unexpected, underestimated players who turned out to be difference-makers. This season, the Eagles are embracing their own version of this strategy with their “Exciting Whites”—the standout defensive duo, Cooper DeJean and Reed Blankenship, who have brought humor, skill, and a bit of viral flair to the field.

The Eagles Are Set to Shine in the ‘Exciting Whites’ Game as DeJean and Blankenship Steal the Show

In 2023, the Eagles are embracing their own unique approach to building a defense. They’ve made waves by fielding a secondary featuring not just one, but two white defensive backs: cornerback Cooper DeJean and safety Reed Blankenship. In today’s NFL, where diversity in skill positions is common, this dynamic pairing stands out. DeJean and Blankenship, two down-to-earth guys from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and Athens, Alabama, respectively, have become an unlikely but impressive duo in the Eagles’ lineup.

With their hard-hitting, lockdown defense and “Exciting Whites” shirts, DeJean and Blankenship are turning heads both on the field and online. Ahead of the Eagles’ primetime Thursday night showdown against the Washington Commanders, the two players arrived wearing matching T-shirts that read “Exciting Whites,” a playful reference to their uncommon role as white players in an NFL secondary. The shirts quickly went viral on social media, with the Eagles sharing a video of the duo’s arrival, sparking laughs and positive reactions from fans.

Coop & Reed have arrived. How exciting! 😏 pic.twitter.com/Hv42cUMqUQ

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) November 14, 2024

The “Exciting Whites” phrase, a clever twist on the traditional “Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can’t Lose” motto, has become something of an unofficial rallying cry. It perfectly captures the fun, self-aware spirit of these two players who aren’t afraid to stand out—and to laugh at themselves while doing it. Their shirts not only showcased a good sense of humor but also bonded them as a duo that fans now affectionately call the “secondairy.” The comments on social media were flooded with laughing emojis and appreciation for the players’ sense of humor and confidence.

But it’s not just about the laughs. DeJean and Blankenship are backing it up on the field. DeJean, who leads all NFL cornerbacks in fewest yards allowed per target, boasts a stellar PFF coverage rating of 85.9. His coverage skills and Blankenship’s hard-hitting tackles have helped solidify the Eagles’ defense, making them a force to be reckoned with. The duo is proving that they’re more than just a viral sensation—they’re a key part of the Eagles’ success this season.

As they prepare to take on the Commanders, DeJean and Blankenship have already won over fans with their playful, self-deprecating style. Now, they’ll look to add another win on the field, showing that they’re just as “exciting” in action as they are in spirit.

The buzz around the “Exciting Whites” game is already strong. Can DeJean and Blankenship turn it into a legendary performance? We’ll soon find out as they strap up for an intense division battle under the primetime lights at Lincoln Financial Field.