Broncos outside linebacker and 2024 extension signee who was a key piece of Denver's record-setting 2025 pass rush.
Jonathon Cooper turned a seventh-round draft slot into a starting edge role and a $60 million extension in Denver. Entering his sixth season, he recorded eight sacks in 2025 as the Broncos set a franchise record with 68 sacks. In June 2026 he was arrested on a criminal mischief charge with a domestic violence enhancer and released on personal recognizance.
Path to the league
Ohio State captain taken in the seventh round by Denver in 2021. Outplayed his draft position to become a full-time starter at outside linebacker, valued for his motor and run-defense reliability as much as his pass rush.
Career and 2025 season
Signed a four-year, $60 million extension with the Broncos in 2024. Posted eight sacks in 2025, second on a Denver defense that set a franchise record with 68 sacks, among the best pass-rushing units in the league.
2026 legal matter
Arrested by Parker, Colorado police in June 2026 on a charge of criminal mischief with a domestic violence enhancer following an altercation, and released on personal recognizance. The Broncos said they were 'gathering more information.' The NFL's personal conduct policy allows for league action independent of the criminal outcome.
Sources
- ESPN: Broncos LB Jonathon Cooper arrested
- ESPN: Jonathon Cooper player page
Statistics
2025 season and career2025 Season · Defense
17 games played▶Defense · career
| Year | Team | GP | TOT | SOLO | SACK | INT | FF | FR | PD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | broncos | 17 | 50 | 23 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
| 2024 | broncos | 17 | 58 | 33 | 10.5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 2023 | broncos | 17 | 72 | 44 | 8.5 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| 2022 | broncos | 14 | 48 | 23 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | broncos | 16 | 38 | 22 | 2.5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Linebacker
- Group
- defense
- College
- Ohio State
- Hometown
- Gahanna, OH, USA
- Age
- 28
- Status
- active
Latest news about Jonathon Cooper
All news →Broncos Excuse Jonathon Cooper From Mandatory Minicamp Following Arrests
Denver kept its starting outside linebacker away from the team's final spring practices as his legal case heads toward a late-July trial.
Jonathon Cooper Arrested Again as Felony Assault Charge Is Added in Original Case
The Broncos linebacker was taken into custody Thursday for allegedly violating a protection order, one day after prosecutors added a felony second-degree assault charge stemming from his June 4 arrest in Parker, Colorado.
Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson arrested on a domestic violence charge
Jackson, who signed a three-year extension last offseason, was booked in Los Angeles County. It's the third domestic-violence-related arrest of a notable player in a matter of weeks.
Jonathon Cooper pleaded not guilty. His trial is set for late July, right as camp opens.
The Broncos edge rusher entered a not-guilty plea to the domestic-violence-enhanced charge from his June arrest. The trial date lands at the start of training camp, leaving his status unresolved into the season.
Broncos edge Jonathon Cooper arrested on a domestic-violence-enhanced charge
Cooper was booked in Douglas County early Friday on a criminal mischief charge with a domestic violence enhancer, then released on personal recognizance. He's coming off an eight-sack season on a record-setting Denver defense.
