Jonathon Cooper Makes First Comments After Returning to the Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper returns to practice© X/@AdamSchefter

Jonathon Cooper returned to practice with the Denver Broncos on Wednesday, but his first meeting with reporters was about much more than football. The linebacker had missed the team's first six games after two arrests in June involving his then-girlfriend. With his legal case pending, Cooper faced questions about his return and the responsibility he carried as he rejoined his teammates. The 28-year-old thanked the organization for standing by him and said he had spent the offseason working on himself, his family and his future with the team.

Jonathon Cooper opens up about his return

Cooper made it clear that he understood why some fans struggle to support him while the charges remained unresolved. Rather than dismissing those concerns, he acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and said he had no excuses for his actions.

“I do apologize for anybody's feelings, truthfully, because you have to be associated with me,” Cooper said, as reported by ESPN. “Nobody's perfect, but there's no excuses. And I do hold myself accountable.”

The linebacker also thanked his teammates and the Broncos organization for allowing him to return. He said he never believed the team would cut ties with him, even as he dealt with the consequences of the arrests.

“I put a lot of work in this offseason on myself and for my family and for this team,” Cooper said. “I'm just really excited to be back and really excited to get to work.”

Cooper had been allowed to attend meetings and work out at the team's facility while on the commissioner's exempt list, but he could not practice or play. His return to the field followed the NFL's decision to remove him from that list on Friday.

Cooper's legal case and Broncos future

The NFL's investigation into Cooper's conduct remains open, meaning the linebacker could face discipline under the league's personal conduct policy. 

His court case is scheduled for March 2-4, 2027, after the trial was moved from its earlier date. Cooper pleaded not guilty to the charges in August and declined to discuss details of the case with reporters.

His availability comes at a point for Denver's defense. The Broncos entered Week 7 with a 4-2 record and had recorded 18 sacks, tied for third in the NFL. Cooper had registered 31.5 sacks across 81 career games with Denver, including eight last season.

But that's not all, outside linebacker Jonah Elliss suffered a serious foot and ankle injury during Denver's 17-14 overtime win over the Seattle Seahawks. Coach Sean Payton said the injury was not expected to end Elliss' season, but the team could be without him for a period.

Cooper became eligible to play against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Oct. 25, provided Denver added him to its active roster.  He said he was ready to give the team everything he had. “The work doesn't stop now,” Cooper said.