The 2026 Kentucky Derby wasn't just about fast horses and fancy hats—it also served as the backdrop for a new NFL love story. Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Abby Summers and Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean made their red carpet debut as a couple, and the sports world is buzzing.

Official photos from Churchill Downs show Summers and DeJean arriving together, looking every bit the power couple. The two had previously been spotted at Iowa's Elite Eight loss in March, but the Derby appearance was a full-on "hard launch," as one of Summers' fellow cheerleaders put it.

Read also
NFL
Jay Glazer's Buddy-Buddy Approach Under Scrutiny: Is It the Same as Russini's Misstep?
Jeff Pearlman says Jay Glazer's access journalism is the same as Dianna Russini's scandal—just without the sex. Why isn't he facing the same heat?

Kleine Powell, another Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, commented on a TikTok video Summers posted before the Derby with the message: "Derby day aka hard launch day," followed by heart emojis and "cuteeee." It seems the cat is out of the bag.

DeJean, a former University of Iowa standout, has become one of the NFL's top defensive backs since helping the Eagles win a Super Bowl two seasons ago. While Philadelphia took a step back in 2025, they're expected to rebound strong in 2026. Meanwhile, the Cowboys missed the playoffs last season, but their cheerleading squad is making headlines for a different reason.

This cross-conference romance adds extra spice to the already heated Cowboys-Eagles rivalry. The two teams are scheduled to meet at least twice during the 2026 season, and you can bet the storyline will follow them onto the field.

DeJean previously dated former Iowa student Stephyn Wilfawn, but the couple split sometime in 2025. Wilfawn has since moved to California and built a following as a full-time model with over 35,000 Instagram followers.

Summers isn't the only one making waves at the Derby. Gronk's Derby Look Gets a Red Card: Ex-Patriot Blasted for Breaking Churchill Downs Dress Code and Derby Dress Drama: Influencers Gabriela Moura and Olivia Dunne Called Out for Fashion Faux Pas also grabbed headlines, but the Summers-DeJean pairing is the one with NFL implications.

As the official 2026 NFL schedule drops later this month, fans will be circling those Cowboys-Eagles matchups. Will the cheerleader be cheering for the Cowboys while her man suits up for the enemy? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure—this story is far from over.