Jonathon Cooper Jailed for Second Time in a Week Amid New Domestic Violence Charges

Broncos LB Jonathon Cooper was arrested after violating the protection order that forbids him from going near his ex-girlfriend.

Jonathon Cooper Jailed for Second Time in a Week Amid New Domestic Violence Charges

Jonathon Cooper (Image via IMAGO)

Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper is facing a new set of charges after allegedly violating a protective order issued against him for invading his ex-girlfriend’s personal space. Cooper is in police custody.

Cooper is among the group of Broncos players who have experienced a career resurgence ever since Sean Payton became head coach in 2023. His sack count increased from two to 8.5. The following year, he registered 10.5 sacks, 11 TFLs, and a forced fumble.

Ahead of the 2025 season, the Broncos made adjustments to Cooper’s four-year, $60 million contract extension, which he signed in 2024, to create additional cap space. After recording two sacks against the New York Jets in week 6, he was named the AFC’s Defensive Player of the Week. His year ended with 8 sacks, four passes defended, and 8 TFLs.

According to 9News, the 28-year-old Cooper was arrested on Thursday for harassing his ex-girlfriend.

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Why was the Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper arrested?

Cooper violated a protection order to stay away from his ex-girlfriend just a few days after it was issued against him. Police records show that Cooper repeatedly called and texted her seeking a private meet-up. When she ignored his advances, Cooper went to her house and knocked on the door for 5-10 minutes before leaving.

Jonathon Cooper Jailed for Second Time in a Week Amid New Domestic Violence Charges
Jonathan Cooper (Image via IMAGO)

Hours after practicing with the Broncos at their facility, the police arrested Cooper in the evening and booked him at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office detention facility. 9News and the Denver Post revealed that Cooper was taken into custody on misdemeanor charges of harassment and violation of a protection order.

Cooper appeared before Judge Mark Solomon in Douglas County court on Friday morning. Judge Solomon issued a bond of $5,000 for Cooper.

Police arrested Cooper for the first time on June 4 following an argument over the phone. In her statement, she alleged that Cooper grabbed her by the neck and threw her on the floor several times. An affidavit from a forensic nurse provided by Cooper’s girlfriend showed signs of “strangulation with hypoxia and traumatic brain injury.”

Regarding seriously bodily injury, it is my medical opinion that the above … patient experienced physical injury which, either at the time of the actual injury or at a later time, involved… [a] substantial risk of death [and] a substantial risk of protracted loss or impairment of the function of any part or organ [of] the body.

The nurse wrote in the affidavit

Even though Cooper denied everything, both he and his girlfriend received protection orders prohibiting them from coming close to each other. Cooper didn’t listen and ended up in custody for the second time within a week.

Sean Payton reacts to Jonathon Cooper’s arrest

Cooper is an important cog in the Broncos’ defense, which ranked in the top three last year. His actions have repercussions, and head coach Sean Payton is well aware of it.

We had a long visit with ‘Coop,’ and now the process plays out. The league obviously will be very much involved in that. We’ll stay abreast, but much like you all. I think that’s where it’s at. We just go from there.

Sean Payton said via DNVR

The NFL’s personal conduct policy is very stringent. Cooper is at risk of receiving a six-game suspension like Kansas City Chiefs WR Rashee Rice.

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