Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper is facing two additional charges, including a felony charge of second-degree assault, stemming from his arrest last week in Parker, Colorado, according to ESPN, citing court records.
Cooper originally faced misdemeanor domestic violence charges and pleaded not guilty Monday in a Douglas County courtroom. ESPN reported that Douglas County District records now show an added felony charge of second-degree assault by strangulation and an additional misdemeanor charge of third-degree assault.
Jonathon Cooper Case Adds Two Charges
The additional charges were announced in court Wednesday, according to ESPN. Cooper is scheduled for a motions hearing July 6, with a potential jury trial to start July 22, court records showed.
Cooper, 28, was arrested June 4 by Parker Police and released from Douglas County Jail on June 5 on a personal recognizance bond. ESPN reported that he was arrested along with his girlfriend after an argument and physical confrontation over cellphones.
The article described conflicting accounts in separate affidavits to police. Because the case is ongoing, the useful football-news point is the legal status itself: Cooper now faces the additional charges while the court process continues.
Broncos And NFL Monitoring Legal Process
The Broncos said shortly after Cooper's arrest that they were aware of the matter and gathering more information. ESPN also reported that the NFL, which could discipline Cooper under the personal conduct policy, had been in contact with the team.
Broncos coach Sean Payton said after Thursday's OTA practice that he had a long visit with Cooper about the arrest. Payton said the process would play out and that the team would stay informed while following league and local-authority guidelines.
Cooper has been in attendance during Denver's offseason program, including Thursday's practice. The Broncos are expected to open training camp in late July, shortly after the potential jury trial date listed in court records.
Cooper Remains Key Broncos Defender
Cooper was a seventh-round pick by Denver in 2021 and is entering his sixth season with the Broncos. He signed a four-year, $60 million contract extension in 2024.
On the field, Cooper ranked second on the team with eight sacks in 2025. Denver's defense set a franchise record with 68 sacks that season, making his status more than a marginal roster note.
The next concrete dates are now legal and procedural, not football ones: the July 6 motions hearing and a potential July 22 jury trial. Until those arrive, the Broncos and NFL have an open matter involving one of Denver's established defensive starters.