Full Breakdown
Salley Carson's Instagram Inquiry into Cooper DeJean and Nikki Bella's Relationship
2/18/2026, 4:42:04 AM
The Core Narrative: A Social Media Inquiry
Bravo star Salley Carson recently revealed her attempt to connect with Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean regarding his rumored relationship with WWE Hall of Famer Nikki Bella. This revelation unfolded during her appearance on the podcast "Not Skinny But Not Fat," where she discussed her direct messaging of DeJean on Instagram.
Key Details of the Interaction
During the podcast, Carson, 29, shared that she had "slid into Cooper DeJean’s DMs" after they had liked each other's Instagram posts. She inquired about his relationship status, specifically referencing Bella, 42, who has been linked to DeJean since late 2025. Carson noted, “I sent him the article and was like, ‘Are you dating her?’” She expressed her admiration for DeJean, stating, “I think he’s so cute,” and mentioned that she would like to meet him if he is not in a relationship with Bella.
Background on the Rumored Relationship
The dating rumors between DeJean and Bella gained traction when Bella was seen wearing DeJean's jersey at several Eagles games during the 2025 season. The speculation intensified after Bella was greeted with “Coop” chants during WWE’s “Monday Night Raw” in Philadelphia on February 2, 2026. However, Bella has publicly stated that she is "single" when questioned about her relationship status.
Official Statements & Responses
Cooper DeJean has remained noncommittal regarding his relationship with Bella. When asked about her during an interview on Radio Row ahead of Super Bowl 2026, he played coy. Additionally, he was spotted leaving a Sports Illustrated Super Bowl party with an unnamed brunette, further complicating the narrative surrounding his relationship status.
Criticism & Opposition
While Carson's approach to reaching out to DeJean may be seen as playful, some may view it as intrusive, especially given the ongoing speculation about DeJean and Bella's relationship. Critics could argue that such public inquiries into personal relationships can lead to unnecessary drama and media scrutiny.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There is a discrepancy regarding the nature of DeJean's relationship with Bella. While TMZ reported in January 2026 that they were "casually dating," Bella's assertion of being single raises questions about the accuracy of these claims. Furthermore, the lack of a clear statement from DeJean leaves room for speculation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I just slid into Cooper DeJean’s [DMs],” — Salley Carson, Bravo Star
- “There’s all these articles that they are dating but he in all of his interviews is [saying] ‘no,'” — Salley Carson, Bravo Star
- “Can you blame a girl for having good taste?” — Nikki Bella, WWE Hall of Famer
This narrative highlights the complexities of celebrity relationships and the impact of social media on personal inquiries, as seen through Salley Carson's engagement with Cooper DeJean regarding Nikki Bella.
