As the Philadelphia Eagles geared up for Super Bowl LIX, several players attended a Philadelphia 76ers game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Among them was rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean, who stood alongside stars A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.

While LeBron James greeted the most popular names, he notably bypassed DeJean like he was a nobody during pre-game warmups. The moment turned awkward as DeJean reached out for a handshake, only to be ignored by James.

The NBA superstar was honest, stating he didn't know him personally.

DeJean Made Sure His Name Will Be Remembered

Cooper DeJean Gets the Last Laugh, Buries LeBron James Snub Cooper DeJean Gets the Last Laugh, Buries LeBron James Snub
Emilee Chinn/Getty Images

Fast forward to Super Bowl Sunday, and DeJean ensured his name would never be forgotten. The rookie cornerback made history by intercepting Patrick Mahomes and returning it for a touchdown, shifting the momentum and giving the Eagles a commanding lead.

The pick-six put Philadelphia ahead by three scores in their 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, CBS Sports reports.

With that single play, DeJean not only solidified his place in NFL history but likely made LeBron—and the sports world—take notice.

Any Hard Feelings? Not for DeJean

Despite the public snub from one of basketball's greatest players, DeJean remained unbothered when asked about the incident after the Super Bowl.

"That'd be pretty cool," DeJean said with a smile when asked if LeBron might acknowledge him next time. "That'd be pretty cool."

DeJean's Historic Super Bowl Performance

DeJean's interception return for a touchdown put him in an exclusive club. He became only the second rookie in Super Bowl history to accomplish the feat, following Reggie Phillips of the 1985 Chicago Bears.

Adding to his milestone, DeJean became just the second player ever to score a touchdown on his birthday in an NFL championship game—joining Eagles legend Steve Van Buren, who did so in 1947.

A Super Birthday Celebration

For DeJean, the night was more than just a championship victory; it was a birthday to remember. Sharing a birthday with teammate Saquon Barkley, he called the moment "crazy" and credited his teammates for making the journey special.

"To be able to do it with this group of guys, from Day 1, they brought us rookies in and taught us everything they know," DeJean said. "Now, to be here on the biggest stage, hold that Lombardi Trophy, and do it on my birthday—it's pretty crazy."

While LeBron James may not have known DeJean's name before the Super Bowl, he—and the rest of the sports world—certainly does now. The Eagles rookie proved he belongs among football's elite, and this might just be the beginning of a legendary career.

"Real recognize real" could be Cooper's mantra in his mind right now.