The Denver Broncos have been hit with an unexpected offseason event. Star pass rusher Jonathon Cooper was arrested Thursday night, around 11:16 p.m., in Colorado.

"Cooper is being held on three separate charges. One count of domestic violence summons and complaint, one count of domestic violence, and one count of criminal mischief $300-1,000... A jail official told The California Post on Friday," as per Edward Lewis of the NY Post.

According to an arrest affidavit obtained by 9News, the situation began at Cooper's apartment in Colorado. Cooper's long-term girlfriend reportedly initiated the dispute after she accused him of cheating.

According to the New York Post, the altercation then turned physical, with their mobile phones at the centre of it all.

"She grabbed Cooper's phone from him and threw it across the room, then picked it up to go through it," the arrest affidavit obtained by 9News states.

The situation turned into a physical struggle as they fought over the phone. The player recovered his phone. But when she tried to take it back, Cooper braced his neck against her neck to block her from getting the device.

According to the arrest affidavit obtained by 9News, states that Cooper later admitted he told the woman he would break her phone if she did not leave the apartment. When she stayed, he allegedly bit the device, "causing 'disabling damage.'"

Since the altercation resulted in property damage. And because Colorado state laws mandate physical custody during intimate partner disputes, authorities arrested both parties.

What Jonathon Cooper’s Arrest Means for the Broncos

This legal situation, developing after Thursday night's incident, impacts an integral piece of the Denver Broncos' defense.

"We are aware of the matter and gathering more information," the Denver Broncos issued a short statement.

Originally a seventh-round draft selection out of Ohio State in 2021, Jonathon Cooper secured a four-year contract extension in late 2024 worth up to $60 million.

Last season, Cooper recorded eight sacks, 16 quarterback hits, and 50 tackles in the 2025 season. Cooper anchored a top-three Denver defensive unit alongside Pro Bowler Nik Bonitto and the 2024 DPOY Patrick Surtain II. This pushed the team to the AFC Championship game.

Following his release on a personal recognizance bond, the 28-year-old faces a scheduled court appearance on Monday morning, June 8.

Beyond the courtroom, he remains subject to mandatory evaluation under the NFL Personal Conduct Policy. The league, via 9News, has also stated that they are aware of the issue and have been in contact with the team.

Read more on the Denver Broncos Community

Written by

Nisarga Aseem Barkule

Edited by

Rudra Dubey