Jonathon Cooper broke his silence on his six-game absence from the Denver Broncos, posting a statement on Instagram after the NFL removed him from the commissioner’s exempt list on Friday, Oct. 16. The sixth-year outside linebacker is now eligible to play in Denver’s next game, on Oct. 25 against Arizona, though the league’s personal conduct review into his conduct remains open.
Cooper, 28, had been sidelined since Aug. 30 and missed Denver’s first six games of the season. The Broncos have gone 4-2 in his absence, most recently beating Seattle on Thursday night.
The Main Development
In his statement, Cooper did not dispute the circumstances that led to his removal from the team. “Playing in the NFL and representing the Denver Broncos is a privilege I do not take for granted,” he wrote. “I’m grateful to ownership, my teammates, coaches and everyone in the organization for their support as well as Commissioner Roger Goodell and the league for the opportunity to return.”
He added that he has used the time away to work on himself. “Over the last several months, I’ve spent a lot of time working to better myself,” Cooper said. “That work will continue.
My focus is on being the best person, father, teammate and member of this community I can be. I will show that commitment through my actions every day.”
What It Means For Cooper’s Status
Coming off the exempt list does not close the book on Cooper’s legal or professional situation. The NFL said its review of his conduct for a potential violation of the personal conduct policy is ongoing and separate from his eligibility to return to football. If the league eventually suspends him, the six weeks he already missed would count toward any suspension of up to six games, though he would have to repay any game checks he collected while on the exempt list. Cooper is making $12 million this season.
While sidelined, Cooper could attend team meetings and work out at the Broncos’ facility but was barred from practicing. He can now resume practicing under a one-week roster exemption once Denver returns from its upcoming long weekend.
Background On The Arrests
Cooper’s absence traces back to two separate arrests. He was first arrested on June 4 following an argument and physical confrontation with his then-girlfriend that led to a felony strangulation charge, according to FOX Sports. A week later, on June 11, he was arrested again for allegedly violating a protection order by trying to contact the same woman, per ESPN.
He now faces a felony charge of second-degree assault by strangulation along with three misdemeanors, including the protection order violation. A pretrial hearing is set for Feb. 19, with his trial scheduled for March 2-4.
Broncos coach Sean Payton has said the team set guidelines for Cooper following the arrests, including therapy, while consistently deferring to the league’s investigation and the ongoing legal process when asked about the team’s approach.
Cooper’s Role With The Broncos
Before his absence, Cooper had established himself as a consistent contributor on Denver’s defensive front. The seventh-round pick from the 2021 draft has recorded 31.5 sacks in 81 career games with the Broncos, including eight sacks last season, and had started every game over the previous three seasons.
What’s Next
Cooper is set to resume practicing with the Broncos this week before the team’s Oct. 25 game against Arizona, the first contest for which he is eligible to play. The NFL’s personal conduct review continues separately from his football eligibility, and Cooper’s legal case moves toward a pretrial hearing on Feb. 19 ahead of his March trial.
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