Denver Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper was arrested in Colorado on June 5, per the New York Post. The former Ohio State player faces domestic violence and one count of criminal mischief charges.

"According to an arrest affidavit obtained by 9News, Cooper and his girlfriend were both taken into police custody following an altercation they were involved in at the football player’s apartment," Edward Lewis of the NY Post reported June 5.

While arguing, the woman “grabbed Cooper’s phone from him and threw it across the room, then picked it up to go through it,” the report stated. 

Later, the incident turned violent when Cooper tried to take his phone back from her.

After the incident, Cooper instructed his girlfriend to leave his apartment and warned her that he would damage her phone if she refused, as per the affidavit. 

When she refused to leave, Cooper reportedly carried out the threat, later biting the device and cracking the screen of the iPhone 17.

According to Douglas County J*** Records, the incident occurred at 11:16 pm on Thursday, and he was booked at 2:38 am. 

Cooper and his girlfriend were both taken into police custody after the incident. 

Cooper, who is a two-time Ohio state team captain, now awaits Monday's hearing. 

Cooper's Role in Denver's 2026 Season at Risk

The arrest comes at a crucial time for Denver, as Cooper has developed into one of the important pieces on the Broncos' defense.

Cooper, a seventh-round pick out of Ohio State in 2021, has started every game for Denver since 2023. He recorded eight sacks and 50 tackles during the 2025 season. 

He was the first player ever selected to wear the “Block O” jersey. He also earned Academic All-Big Ten Conference honors twice. 

The 28-year-old was also present during Denver's offseason program and participated in the team's OTA practice earlier this week. 

According to the NY Post, his bond has been set at $1,000. The Denver Broncos also acknowledged the situation in a brief statement.

"We are aware of the matter and are gathering more information," the team told 9News.

With training camp approaching, the legal process might have some implications for Denver's defense. For now, the Broncos are awaiting further developments while gathering information about the case.

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Written by

Evince Das

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore