Former WWE superstar Nikki Bella finds herself in the spotlight once again, but this time, the buzz has nothing to do with the wrestling ring. In a story captivating both sports and entertainment fans, Bella has been confirmed to be spending time with Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean, a pairing notable for its significant age difference.
From Stadium Sightings to Confirmed Dates
The speculation began in December 2025 when eagle-eyed fans noticed Nikki Bella attending Philadelphia Eagles home games. The tell-tale sign was her wearing the jersey of rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean. The rumours were finally confirmed in early January 2026 by outlets like TMZ, which reported the two had been on several low-key dates.
Their first public link appeared on December 15, 2025, at an Eagles game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Later, eyewitnesses placed them together at a Philadelphia bar during a game night, solidifying the connection for fans and media alike.
The Numbers Behind the Headlines
What transformed this personal news into a major talking point is the stark contrast in their ages and career stages. Nikki Bella, born Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace on November 21, 1983, turned 42 in November 2025. She is a seasoned veteran of WWE, a multiple-time Divas Champion, and a pop culture icon from the 2010s.
On the other side is Cooper DeJean, born on February 9, 2003, who was just 22 years old as of January 2026. The Eagles drafted him in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He shot to national fame on his 22nd birthday, February 9, 2025, by intercepting Patrick Mahomes in Super Bowl LIX and returning it for a touchdown.
The nearly 20-year age gap between the established entertainment figure and the rising sports star became the focal point of intense online discussion and media coverage.
Life Stages and Public Perception
For Nikki Bella, this chapter comes after a highly publicized personal journey. Her divorce from dancer Artem Chigvintsev was finalized in 2024. By October 2025, on her podcast 'The Nikki and Brie Show', she emphasized focusing on her son, Matteo, and finding peace post-divorce.
Cooper DeJean, meanwhile, is at the very beginning of his professional athletic career. This juxtaposition—a mother and global celebrity dating a man just starting his NFL journey—is what fans are reacting to. Reports indicate their relationship is calm, but the visibility of their pairing, starting from the stadium stands, guaranteed widespread scrutiny.
The story of Nikki Bella and Cooper DeJean is more than a simple dating update. It highlights how age gaps in high-profile relationships continue to fascinate and fuel public debate, especially when they bridge two different worlds of fame—sports and entertainment.
