Published October 21, 2026 07:23 PM
Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper returned to practice Wednesday after spending the first six weeks on the Commissioner’s Exempt List. Cooper was arrested twice in seven days in June on domestic violence charges, prompting the paid leave of absence.
Cooper would not answer specific questions about his case, which is scheduled for a March 2 trial, during his first media session since his June 4 and 11 arrests.
“Nobody’s perfect, but there’s no excuses,’' Cooper said, via Jeff Legwold of ESPN, “and I do hold myself accountable and things are going to sort themselves out. I promise that.’'
Cooper is facing five charges after two disputes with his ex-girlfriend that began with a fight over a cell phone. The most serious charge is felony second-degree assault/strangulation.
The NFL has left open the possibility of further punishment for Cooper once his legal matter is resolved.
He was asked what he would say to people, particularly female fans.
“Honestly . . . that’s hard,” Cooper said. “I feel like relationships are difficult, [but] no excuses on my end. I do apologize for anybody’s feelings, truthfully, because you have to be associated with me. I’m a grown man. I’m able to take things on the chin, and I understand the concern, the awareness, how serious these matters are. The legal matters will take care of themselves.”
A seventh-round pick in 2021, Cooper has 31.5 sacks in 81 career games with the Broncos.