10:35 pm - February 25, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles’ Cooper DeJean to Wear Custom Cleats Designed by Local Father-Son Duo in Super Bowl LIX
In the lead-up to Super Bowl LIX, held in New Orleans, Philadelphia Eagles rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean will step onto the field wearing custom-designed cleats created by a father-son team from Yardley, Pennsylvania. At just 22 years old, DeJean will celebrate his birthday on the same weekend he competes on the NFL’s biggest stage. His cleats, crafted by Ryan and Ron Stevens of NXT LVL Customs, are a testament to the unique Connections and creativity that make this moment even more special.
For Ryan Stevens and his father, Ron, the days leading up to the Super Bowl have been a whirlwind of activity. NXT LVL Customs, a business they founded in 2020, has seen an unprecedented surge in demand. “This week, by far, has been the busiest that we’ve had in months,” Ryan remarked. The duo has been working tirelessly to design, produce, and deliver custom shoes and cleats for athletes preparing for the big game. Over the past couple of weeks alone, they’ve completed nearly a dozen orders, with cleats being particularly time-consuming due to the meticulous preparation required. Ron, affectionately known as the “Prep Guy,” has been instrumental in helping his son manage the workload. His background as a painter in a body shop has proven invaluable in perfecting the intricate details of their designs.
The Stevens operate their business from their homes in Yardley and Downingtown, a far cry from the bright lights of professional sports stadiums. Yet, their work has gained significant traction, earning them opportunities to design for some of the biggest names in MLB and the NFL. From Phillies legends like Mike Schmidt and John Kruk to current stars like Bryson Stott and Edmundo Sosa, NXT LVL Customs has built a reputation for blending style and functionality. Now, their creations will be showcased on the NFL’s grandest stage, as DeJean’s custom cleats take center field at the Caesars Superdome.
DeJean’s cleats are more than just footwear; they’re a reflection of his journey and identity. Ryan and Ron incorporated personal touches, such as the area code from DeJean’s hometown and his jersey number, into the design. This level of customization is a hallmark of NXT LVL Customs’ work, and it’s something they take great pride in. For Ryan, who has previously designed for DeJean and other athletes like “Big Dom” DiSandro, this opportunity is still surreal. “It’s a Philly kid’s dream,” Ryan said, reflecting on how he and his father have turned their passion into a career.
The Stevens’ journey from fans to designers is a story of passion and perseverance. “We were fans first, and this was second,” Ron explained, emphasizing that their love for sports preceded their venture into custom design. For Ron, the experience is a perfect blend of his hobbies and profession, making it a “best of both worlds” scenario. As they watch their work shine on the Super Bowl stage, the father-son duo will undoubtedly feel a sense of pride and fulfillment.
In the end, the story of NXT LVL Customs is one of family, creativity, and community. Ryan and Ron Stevens are living their dream, crafting unique designs that resonate with athletes and fans alike. As Cooper DeJean takes the field in his custom cleats, he’ll carry not only his own legacy but also the legacy of a family who turned their shared passion into something extraordinary. For the Stevens, this is more than just a business—it’s a labor of love that continues to inspire and transcend the world of sports.