Denver Broncos star Jonathon Cooper enters plea as he faces up to 16 years in prison on domestic violence charge

Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper has pleaded not guilty to domestic violence charges in Douglas County, Colorado following an alleged altercation with his now-ex girlfriend.

A jury trial is scheduled to begin on November 10.

The arrest resulted from an alleged argument between Cooper and his then-girlfriend, who was also arrested at the time, according to police, who say she accused him of cheating and threw his phone against a wall in his apartment. A physical struggle allegedly ensued, according to the police report.

He was arrested a week later after allegedly violating a protection order by attempting to contact his ex.

In total, he faces five domestic violence-related charges from the two arrests: second-degree assault (strangulation), third-degree assault, violation of a protective order, harassment and an additional misdemeanor charge. 

If convicted on all counts, he could face between five and 16 years in prison. 

Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper (0) takes part in drills during a practice

Cooper’s plea comes after he was placed on the commissioner’s exempt list. He will continue to be paid and can be at the team facility, but is not allowed to practice with the Broncos or play in any games while he is on leave.

‘It’s part of the process,’ Broncos general manager George Paton told reporters on Sunday. ‘We continue to take this very seriously. We’re going to continue to monitor all the legal developments and continue to support Jonathon. Jonathon’s worked very hard to better himself and it’ll be good to have him in the building, be in meetings and just be a part of the team.’

Despite being accused of domestic violence in June, Cooper was still allowed to participate in training camp and even served as one of the Broncos’ gameday captains during the preseason.

Under the NFL-NFLPA domestic violence policy, Cooper could face a lengthy suspension, regardless of the outcome of his upcoming trial. However, any games missed while on the exempt list will count towards his suspension balance.

The 28-year-old is due $12 million this season.

He was allowed to practice during training camp after attending a 40-day inpatient clinic near Vail to undergo a mental health, counseling and wellness program.

The Broncos defense allowed fewer than all but one team in 2025, but will be challenged to replace Cooper’s production that included eight sacks and 50 tackles.

The Ohio State product was a seventh-round pick in 2021 but has been one of the more consistent pass rushers in the AFC West over the last three seasons.