PHILADELPHIA — Salley Carson, known for stints on reality shows like ‘The Bachelor,’ ‘Southern Charm’ and ‘Southern Hospitality,’ took a bold step this week. She messaged Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean on Instagram, probing rumors of his romance with Nikki Bella.

Carson laid out the exchange during the ‘Not Skinny But Not Fat’ podcast on Tuesday at the 49:00 mark. ‘I just slid into Cooper DeJean’s DMs,’ she said. She forwarded him an article about the Bella speculation and asked directly: ‘Are you dating her?’

DeJean kept his response private, according to Carson. She noted they’ve known each other for years and that she has his phone number. ‘He’s so cute,’ she added.

The outreach began with a simple interaction. Carson liked one of DeJean’s photos after visiting his profile. ‘Oh, he’s super cute,’ she recalled thinking. She speculated he might like older women, given the Bella talk. DeJean then liked three of her posts. That prompted her DM.

Carson, undeterred by the gossip, expressed eagerness to meet. ‘I would love to meet him if he’s not dating her,’ she said. She pointed out DeJean has denied the rumors in interviews, despite persistent articles.

Neither DeJean nor Bella has commented publicly on their rumored connection. The buzz persists anyway.

DeJean, a rising star for the Eagles, named his celebrity crushes last month. On the ‘Exciting Mics’ podcast Feb. 6, he picked Sydney Sweeney and Tate McRae. ‘Can I throw out a couple? Sydney Sweeney,’ he said. He joked that teammate Puka Nacua had already approached Sweeney.

Days later, DeJean stepped out with a mystery brunette. The pair left a Super Bowl party together less than a week after his podcast appearance.

Carson’s pursuit adds a twist to DeJean’s off-field narrative. The 22-year-old cornerback, drafted by Philadelphia in 2024 out of Iowa, focuses mainly on football. He played in 14 games last season, logging two interceptions and 46 tackles.

Bella, 41, a retired WWE wrestler and reality TV fixture, shares a son with ex-husband Artem Chigvintsev. Dating rumors with DeJean surfaced after social media posts showed them together at events.

Carson, 32, brings her own entertainment resume. Beyond reality TV, she has acting credits and a social media following that amplifies her personal updates.

DeJean has not responded publicly to Carson’s overture. Eagles officials declined comment on the cornerback’s personal life.