Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper made headlines for all the wrong reasons. The sixth-year player surfaced for unruly off-field conduct, as he was arrested on charges of domestic violence.
Broncos LB Jonathon Cooper Issues Apology Following Domestic Violence Incident
Cooper was arrested on Thursday night in Colorado for domestic violence. TMZ reported on the incident, citing a confrontation with his girlfriend, Jade Fiegen, about alleged infidelity as the reason for the assault.
The couple reportedly struggled over the linebacker’s phone. When he retrieved it, he told her to leave his house, or he would break her phone. She refused to leave — he carried out his threat.
Both were arrested, with the Broncos linebacker facing two counts of domestic violence and one count of criminal mischief.
“We are aware of the matter and are gathering more information,” the Broncos said in a statement.
Seemingly regretful of the events, Cooper posted on social media, quoting Ephesians 4:26: “Do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not let the sun go down on your anger.”
The Broncos linebacker also later issued an apology. “I realize posting a Bible. (sic) Quote right after something very serious happens does not just mean everything is okay,” he wrote. “I apologize to my family, to my friends, and my community. And so many others.”
According to TMZ, Cooper claimed that he braced his neck against his girlfriend’s neck to prevent her from getting the phone.
His girlfriend said he picked her up and threw her to the ground multiple times, and that he punched the wall next to her face. She reportedly has minor injuries, including a cut on her hand, a small mark on her neck, and scratches on her arm. However, officers said the markings didn’t align with what she alleged Cooper did to her.
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What becomes of the case remains to be seen.
The incident comes just as Cooper and the Broncos are preparing for the regular season that’s set to kick off in a few months. The team aims to return stronger after a disappointing end to the 2025 campaign, when they were knocked out in the AFC Championship.
Having Cooper on board from the get-go next season will be crucial. The linebacker has proven to be a valuable contributor on defense, having bagged 27 sacks over the last three years.
He is a key cog in defensive coordinator Vance Joseph’s system, anchoring the linebacker corps next to Alex Singleton.
