Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper continues to navigate legal issues stemming from his pair of June arrests. The Broncos excused Cooper from minicamp, but it surely feels like the veteran is back with the team for the beginning of coaching camp.
Based on Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette, Cooper reported to training camp today. Per Mike Klis of 9News in Denver, the linebacker “recently accomplished a comprehensive in-patient counseling, therapy, mental health and overall wellness program that lasted 40 days.”
Throughout that process, Cooper remained in close contact with the organization. Klis adds that the player also recently spoke with head coach Sean Payton, general manager George Paton, and owner/CEO Greg Penner. Because the linebacker is the primary Bronco arrested because the current ownership group purchased the franchise in 2022, it was uncertain how leadership would navigate his off-the-field conduct. In the intervening time, it appears as if the Broncos will keep on with the previous seventh-round pick.
Cooper continues to be facing a felony domestic violence charge and two misdemeanors. He has an arraignment scheduled for the tip of August. Klis notes that the player is predicted to enter a plea, although the reporter notes that the legal process may additionally not be accomplished until after the 2026 campaign. Whatever the consequence there, Cooper will still be subject to discipline under the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
While it didn’t take long for Cooper to carve out a task in Denver, he’s transformed into certainly one of the team’s top defenders. The 28-year-old hasn’t missed a start over the past three years. Over that span, he’s tallied 180 tackles and 27 sacks. He inked a four-year, $60MM extension with the franchise in the course of the 2024 campaign.