Broncos Linebacker Jonathon Cooper Faces Legal Troubles

Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper found himself in trouble for the second time in a week. Authorities arrested Cooper on Thursday night after he allegedly violated a protection order. This follows his arrest for domestic violence last week.

Cooper and his girlfriend faced charges of domestic violence last Friday. Both had been held on suspicion of two domestic violence counts and one of criminal mischief, as per Douglas County jail records.

The New York Post reported that after two more charges, including felony strangulation, the protection order was issued.

“We are disappointed to learn of Jonathon Cooper’s arrest on Thursday and continue to review this matter,” stated the Broncos.

The couple’s history stretches back several years. The situation escalated when Cooper’s girlfriend confronted him at his home about alleged infidelity. She grabbed his phone and threw it against a wall. They struggled over the phone, which Cooper eventually retrieved. He then asked her to leave his home and threatened to damage her phone, according to the affidavit.

Despite being asked to leave, the woman stayed. Cooper allegedly broke her iPhone screen during the incident. He pleaded not guilty to the charges on Monday.

Cooper, 28, was drafted by the Broncos from Ohio State in the seventh round of the NFL Draft. All five seasons of his career have been with Denver. Last season, he played 17 games, achieving 50 tackles and eight sacks; he is a key player in the Broncos’ defense. Over his career, Cooper has played 81 games, recording 266 tackles and 31.5 sacks.

In November 2024, Cooper signed a four-year contract extension worth $60 million with the Broncos.