Exciting Mics Ep. 24 — "Cooper & Reed on Eagles Wildcard, Pro Bowl, Regular Season Recap & More"

Release Date: January 8, 2026
Hosts: Cooper DeJean & Reed Blankenship

Episode Overview

This episode marks the start of playoff season for the Philadelphia Eagles, with Cooper DeJean and Reed Blankenship bringing their signature humor and authenticity. They recap the regular season—the high points, the adversity, and notable team and personal achievements—while gearing up for the Wild Card matchup. Along the way, listeners get a front-row seat for inside jokes, team culture, and fan interaction, as well as heartfelt reflections on family, leadership, and locker room dynamics.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Kicking Off Playoff Season (00:31–04:40)

• The hosts express their excitement for the postseason, emphasizing the “fresh slate” nature of the playoffs and the unique electricity at Lincoln Financial Field.

• Reed and Cooper joke about being confused for one another by fans and even opposing players, riffing on their shared appearance as white defensive backs.

  “If it ain’t our fans thinking that I’m you, it’s players. And I guess people don’t realize there’s two white guys on defense.” — Reed Blankenship (00:06)

• They discuss the importance of rest ahead of the playoffs, highlighting how critical it is to have a fresh body and mind after a grueling regular season.

  “You play 17 or 18 games in a year. You only get one break—and now we got two, so…” — Cooper DeJean (03:07)

2. Pro Bowl Honors & Team Achievements (04:40–07:02)

• Cooper is congratulated on his first Pro Bowl selection, joining several other Eagles defenders, which both take pride in as individuals and as a team.

• The duo notes the Eagles are the first team since 2004 to repeat as NFC East division champions—an especially meaningful accomplishment.

  “We are the first team since 2004 to repeat as NFC East division champs.” — Cooper DeJean (06:04)

3. Top Moments from the 2025 Regular Season (07:03–08:21)

• Both hosts share their favorite milestones and memories:

  • Jordan Davis’s touchdown in the Rams game.
  • Multiple skill players hitting 1,000-yard milestones (AJ, Smitty, Saquon).
  • The shutout win against the Raiders.
  • Reed’s personal highlight: his soon-to-arrive baby.

  “Reed is having a baby, so that should be number one!” — Cooper DeJean (08:11)

4. Deep Dive: Player Growth & Surprises (08:21–12:06)

• Each host assesses the other’s progress: Cooper shouts out Reed’s leadership, especially after the departure of veteran voices, while Reed compliments Cooper’s versatility across positions.

• They highlight teammates who exceeded expectations, especially rookies Drew and Jihad, and Jalex for his leap in playmaking.

  “You can take the workload of each position and still ball out.” — Reed on Cooper (08:35) “Just seeing your leadership, I think, was pretty cool.” — Cooper on Reed (09:20)

5. Inside the Locker Room & Milk the Cow Celebration (12:06–16:04)

• The now-viral “milk the cow” celebration is discussed. They explain its origins (a nod to their rural roots and locker room “milk check” jokes) and recount Saquon’s involvement, planning to debut it in the playoffs.

• The confusion around “which one is which” continues, including plans for “I’m the other one” t-shirts.

  “I need to get a T-shirt made saying ‘I’m the other one.’” — Reed Blankenship (15:03)

6. End of Season Superlatives & Game Balls (17:25–20:26)

• Game balls are symbolically handed out to standout Eagles:
  • Jordan Davis (“Big vibes guy—brings cookies to the walkthroughs!”)
  • Jalex (“First Eagle to lead team in interceptions and sacks”)
  • Dallas Goddard (new Eagles record for TDs as a TE)
  • Brandon Graham ("Uncle BG", return from retirement, sacks from DT)
  • Quinyanamo Bay (zero TDs allowed on over 500 snaps)
  • AJ Brown & DeVonta Smith (first Eagles WR duo with 3 seasons of 1,000+ yards together)

7. Looking Ahead: Wild Card vs. 49ers & Advice for Rookies (28:24–33:16)

• Reed and Cooper discuss strategies for playoff preparation and share advice for young players entering the postseason.

  • Focus on keeping preparation routine.
  • Understand the stakes, but “don’t change what got you here.”
  • Expect a “close game and a dog fight” against the 49ers’ Shanahan offense.

  “We just need to take each day, day by day and do what we do... Time to go to work.” — Reed Blankenship (29:10) “You gotta turn up the focus a little bit just because you know what’s on the line… but it’s really about the process each day.” — Cooper DeJean (29:53)

8. The Lighter Side: Holidays, Resolutions, and Locker Room Banter (35:56–42:36)

• Cooper and Reed break down Christmas gifts, with Reed’s “dad energy” on display (coffee maker, knife case); Cooper embraces new slippers and his favorite snack—peanut butter pretzel bites.
• They laugh about southern desserts (Reed’s “chocolate gravy and biscuits”), Cooper’s Christmas tacos, and look ahead to 2026 resolutions (reading more, eating fewer snacks, “maybe next year” for a New Year’s kiss).
• Reed reflects on his final holiday as a family of two before becoming a new dad.

9. Podcast Memories, Guest Highlights & Philly Slang (43:02–48:46)

• Favorite moments include Reed announcing his impending fatherhood and Jason Kelce’s visit debating the greatest Eagles team ever.
• They enjoy recounting Philly slang (“Go Birds, dickhead,” “jawn,” and the city’s unique pronunciation of “water”).
• Dream guests include conspiracy theorists, teammates like AJ Brown, and comedians Shane Gillis and Miles Teller.

10. Fan Q&A (51:06–58:36)

• Mariana asks about the wildest trash talk they've heard; the hosts recall fans telling Saquon to “go back to the Giants”—promptly followed by a Super Bowl season.
• Meg poses two questions:
  • Show and Tell: Cooper would bring his dog; Reed, his lightsaber (both agree these are more meaningful than Super Bowl rings).
  • Locker Room Talent Show: Reed might sing or dance, with Cooper showing off basketball dunks.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On locker room confusion:
  “At the end of the day, it could work… Maybe they’re fishing to switch it up a bit.” — Cooper DeJean (01:00)
• Advice for playoffs:
  “There’s no need to overthink this type of game, this type of situation. Take each day, day by day and do what we do.” — Reed Blankenship (29:10)
• On adversity:
  “This season was… a lot of adversity. Yeah, I think that’s good for us, you know, going into the playoffs.” — Cooper DeJean (05:36)
• Celebration origins:
  “It’s like a milk check. Like we’re both white guys.” — Reed Blankenship (13:00) “Maybe we’ll make an Exciting Mics version of it.” — Cooper DeJean (15:09)
• On being Eagles teammates:
  “We’re like white on rice. You know what I’m saying?” — Cooper DeJean (50:34)
• On Philly fans:
  “I'm pretty sure that was like a welcome to Philly moment.” — Cooper DeJean (53:00)
• Favorite Philly slang:
  “John. Is that how you say it?" — Cooper DeJean (47:43)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Time | Segment | |----------------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:00–01:17 | Locker room confusion & the “other one” joke | | 01:25–04:40 | Playoff hype, fresh start, Philly energy | | 04:55–05:35 | Pro Bowl congratulations & team recognition | | 06:04–07:03 | Division championship milestone | | 07:03–08:21 | Top 3 regular season moments | | 08:21–09:45 | Each other's growth: leadership & versatility | | 10:29–12:06 | Surprise performers of the season | | 12:06–16:00 | “Milk the cow” celebration, T-shirt ideas | | 17:25–20:26 | End-of-season game balls & superlatives | | 28:24–29:53 | Playoff advice to rookies | | 35:56–36:56 | Holiday gift recap | | 43:02–48:46 | Best podcast moments & Philly slang | | 51:06–53:35 | Fan Q&A: Most memorable trash talk | | 54:03–58:36 | Fan Q&A: Show and tell, locker room talent show acts |

Tone & Vibe

• Warm, banter-filled, and authentic—just two teammates sharing their journey and inviting fans into their world.
• Full of inside jokes, playful teasing, and open reflections on football, culture, and personal lives.

Summary Takeaway

This episode of Exciting Mics captures the unique brotherhood, honest storytelling, and unfiltered charm that make Cooper DeJean and Reed Blankenship fan favorites. Whether breaking down big wins, tackling locker room laughs, or fielding questions from diehard Eagles supporters, the hosts deliver insider perspective, genuine gratitude, and infectious excitement for what's next. For devoted Birds fans and casual listeners alike, it’s a must-listen as the team straps in for another playoff run.

Signature Sign-off:
“Go Birds.” — Cooper DeJean & Reed Blankenship (59:05)