Denver Broncos Superstar Placed On Paid Leave
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
Jonathon Cooper did not have a great offseason. While the Denver Broncos’ star linebacker was projected to have another good year, his off-court life has been in shambles.
On June 5, 2026, Cooper and his girlfriend of four years were arrested. They were held on suspicion of two counts of domestic violence. Plus, a single count of criminal mischief. Police stated that the commotion happened due to cheating allegations.
On June 8, the 28-year-old appeared in court, where he pleaded not guilty to every charge.
NFL Places Jonathon Cooper On Leave
Now, with his court appearance on the horizon, the NFL has stepped in. The league decided to put the troubled linebacker on the commissioner’s exempt list. In other words, the NFL has put him on leave as he deals with his off-court troubles.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the news on X.
“NFL is placing Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper on the commissioner exempt list. Cooper was involved in a pair of domestic incidents over the summer, was arrested twice, and faces five charges, including second-degree felony assault,” per Schefter’s post.
Sources: NFL is placing Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper on the commissioner exempt list.
Cooper was involved in a pair of domestic incidents over the summer, was arrested twice, and faces five charges, including second-degree felony assault. pic.twitter.com/ZdHYESle3b
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 30, 2026
This means Cooper is barred from participating in games and Broncos practices. The NFL is actively investigating possible violations of its personal conduct policy.
With this protection, Cooper will still be allowed to practice and work out in his team’s facilities. In addition, his compensation from the Broncos will continue. But once the NFL removes him from the list, he will be allowed to play.
Cooper Apologizes For His Actions
After the fiasco, many thought that Cooper was sorry for his actions and would correct the wrong he had committed. He even apologized publicly immediately after his initial arrest.
“I realize posting a Bible quote right after something very serious happens does not just mean everything is okay,” Cooper wrote on Instagram. “I apologize to my family, to my friends and my community… and so many others.”
“Sincerely, I apologize. This situation is not who I am,” he continued.
However, after his remarks, he was arrested yet again due to the violation of a protection order that was filed for him following his domestic violence.
