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Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper and his girlfriend were arrested Friday on domestic violence charges, according to Douglas County jail records. Both face two counts of domestic violence and one count of criminal mischief.
The incident reportedly began with a dispute over allegations of cheating. Sources indicate the couple, who have had an on-again, off-again relationship over several years, were at Cooper’s residence when the argument escalated.
The girlfriend allegedly grabbed Cooper’s phone and threw it against a wall before attempting to go through it. A physical struggle ensued over the phone, which Cooper eventually regained.
According to the arrest affidavit, Cooper then asked the woman to leave his home. When she refused, he reportedly threatened to break her cell phone and subsequently bit down on the device, breaking its screen.
Cooper appeared for a court hearing Friday morning in Douglas County, with a follow-up hearing scheduled for Monday, where he is expected to enter a plea. He was released on a personal recognizance bond after the hearing.
The Broncos and Cooper’s representatives have not issued any public statements regarding the charges.
At 28 years old, Jonathon Cooper has spent his entire five-year NFL career with the Denver Broncos since being drafted in the seventh round out of Ohio State. Last season, he played in 17 games, recording 50 tackles and eight sacks, contributing significantly to the team’s defensive efforts.
Over his career, Cooper has accumulated 266 tackles and 31.5 sacks in 81 games. In November 2024, the Broncos extended his contract with a four-year, $60 million deal.