PHILADELPHIA — Rumors of a budding romance between former WWE star Nikki Garcia and Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Cooper DeJean have been swirling since late 2025, but sources close to Garcia insist she's content embracing single life after her recent divorce.
Garcia, 42, a longtime fan of the Eagles, has attended several of the team's games featuring the 22-year-old DeJean, according to an exclusive source who spoke to Us Weekly. The speculation ignited in the fall of 2025 when Garcia was spotted at Lincoln Financial Field and later posed in front of DeJean's locker during a December visit to Philadelphia. "They have hung out," the insider told the publication, adding that while the pair has spent time together, Garcia is not pursuing anything serious.
The timing of these rumors comes just over a year after Garcia finalized her divorce from dancer Artem Chigvintsev in 2024. The couple, who share a 5-year-old son named Matteo, had been married since 2019. Post-divorce, Garcia has emphasized her focus on self-discovery and motherhood. When she's not traveling for work, the source said, "she is at home with her son."
In a January 2025 interview with Us Weekly, Garcia opened up about her newfound independence. "I’ve really taken the time to kind of date myself," she said. "I have days where I get to focus a lot on me and self-care and just really get to know who I am in my 40s. I feel like I have this whole new era to look at, and I get to choose how I want to be and [where to] take it." This statement underscored her intention to prioritize personal growth following the end of her marriage to the Dancing With the Stars alum, who is now 43.
Garcia's connection to the Eagles runs deep, rooted in her Philadelphia heritage and fandom. On December 2025, she shared an Instagram post from her weekend in the city, captioning it: "So blessed for the people around me, new friends and old, who make life so special and fun 🤍✨🙏🏼." She thanked several locals, including @daveophilly, @nickyryan, the Philadelphia Flyers, and Live Casino Philadelphia, for hosting her and her group. "Fly Eagles Fly! Truly THE city of brotherly love! 💚🦅," she added, highlighting her enthusiasm for the team.
Among the photos and videos from that trip was a glimpse of Garcia standing in front of DeJean's locker, which quickly fueled online chatter. Social media users pointed to the image as evidence of a closer bond, though Garcia has not directly addressed the pairing. DeJean, a rising star drafted by the Eagles in 2024, has remained silent on the matter, with no public comments from him or his representatives reported.
The rumors gained further traction on the December 18, 2025, episode of Garcia's podcast, "The Nikki & Brie Show," co-hosted with her twin sister Brie Garcia. During the SiriusXM broadcast, Nikki candidly discussed her post-divorce celibacy. "It’s crazy because I actually haven’t been touched or done anything in so long," she told Brie. "It’s funny when people call me a whore when I actually haven’t had intimacy in a really long time, even think of kissing."
Nikki claimed, “I haven’t even kissed someone in so long. It’s, like, kind of crazy. I was thinking of this last night: ‘Do I know how to kiss?’ You know when it’s been so long? I mean, I hope [I still do]. I’m about to make out with my pillow to make sure I still got it.”
Garcia's lighthearted yet revealing remarks seemed to downplay any immediate romantic entanglements, insisting she wasn't involved with anyone—be it NFL players or otherwise. The insider echoed this sentiment to Us Weekly, stating, "She is having fun and enjoying being single." Despite the denials, fans continued to speculate, especially after another Eagles game appearance.
On December 28, 2025, Garcia posted on Instagram ahead of the Eagles' matchup against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. "Walking into Sunday like…. 🦅🔥," she captioned the video, adding, “‘Been there, WON that.’ 🙌🏼 #FlyEaglesFly." The clip featured throwback footage from an earlier game at Lincoln Financial Field, where she wore DeJean's jersey paired with Eagles-branded sweatpants.
Commenters on the post were quick to connect the dots. "In the Coop jersey too! 🔥," one user wrote, using DeJean's nickname. Another added, "She wants to keep the rumor alive." Garcia did not respond to the comments, but the choice of attire only amplified the buzz surrounding her and the young athlete, who is two decades her junior.
Garcia's history with professional wrestling adds another layer to her public persona. Retiring from WWE in 2022 to focus on family, she has since ventured into podcasting and other media projects alongside Brie. The sisters' show often delves into personal topics, providing fans with unfiltered insights into Nikki's life. Her divorce from Chigvintsev, finalized amid reports of irreconcilable differences, was a highly publicized event, with the couple sharing custody of Matteo.
While the romance rumors with DeJean remain unconfirmed, they highlight Garcia's evolving post-divorce chapter. Sources indicate no formal relationship has developed, and her attendance at games aligns with her longstanding support for the Eagles. Philadelphia, known as the City of Brotherly Love, has embraced Garcia as one of its own, with her social media posts celebrating the team's spirit and community.
Looking ahead, Garcia appears poised to continue her journey of self-care and family focus. As the NFL season progresses into 2026, whether she returns to more Eagles games—and if DeJean addresses the speculation—remains to be seen. For now, the 42-year-old is reportedly savoring her independence, free from the pressures of a committed partnership.
The entertainment world has long been fascinated by crossovers between sports and celebrity, and this potential pairing fits that mold. Yet, without statements from DeJean or further confirmation, the story stays in the realm of gossip. Garcia's own words suggest she's in no rush to change her status, content with the "new era" she's crafting for herself.