Denver Broncos pass rusher Jonathon Cooper returned to practice this week after a six-month stint on the commissioner's exempt list following his two arrests in June.
Cooper is facing multiple charges, including a felony assault charge, after two alleged incidents involving his former girlfriend. His trial is scheduled for March, and he will be eligible to play starting this weekend.
After previously releasing a statement on social media, Cooper spoke to media members for the first time following Wednesday's practice.
"Whatever my coaches and whatever my team needs from me, they're going to get," Cooper said on Wednesday. "100 percent from me, and even more so. 110 percent; you could put it up again, 150 percent. They're going to get the best version
of me. I owe it to this team, I owe it to my family, the fans. Everybody who has spoken my name, I owe it to them to show the type of person, the type of player I am and I'll be able to do whatever the team asks me."
#Broncos OLB Jonathon Cooper talked with reporters today.
— Parker Gabriel (@ParkerJGabriel) October 21, 2026
Part of his comments on his ongoing legal matters and potential return to the field Sunday. pic.twitter.com/x6eyVQ3ASl
Cooper believes he knew the Broncos would back him, despite his two June arrests that resulted in him not being eligible to practice or play for the first six games of the season.
"No, no," Cooper said in response to a question about whether he thought Denver would give up on him. "Obviously, matters are serious, and you need to handle things as a grown man, and responsibilities in order and gotta hold yourself accountable. But with this organization, and with myself, definitely hold myself accountable for just everything. I know I owe it to my teammates a lot for being here and really thankful to be back that they didn't give up on me... Making sure I'm the best 'Coop' that I can be for my family, for my teammates, I represent more than just myself. That work transcends far beyond me putting stuff on the field or anything like that."
Jonathon Cooper said he never thought the #Broncos would give up on him after the two June arrests and said he is working “to be the best Coop I can be.” pic.twitter.com/mDBJZ74DS8
— Parker Gabriel (@ParkerJGabriel) October 21, 2026
Cooper was also asked what message he would give to fans who might be uneasy about supporting him following the allegations.
"It's hard," Cooper said. "Relationships are difficult. No excuses on my end and I do apologize for anybody’s feelings... I'm a grown man, I'm able to take things on the chin, and just want to say I understand the concern. I understand the level of awareness, how serious these matters are, but the legal matters will take care of themselves... There's no excuses, and I do hold myself accountable. Things are going to sort themselves out, I can promise that."
Asked Jonathon Cooper what his message would be to fans who could be uneasy about supporting him in the midst of the allegations.
— Sam Jane (@sam_jane230) October 21, 2026
🎥 of his full response.
“Relationships are difficult. No excuses on my end and I do apologize for anybody’s feelings… I understand the concern.” pic.twitter.com/R1ee9UpHEj
Denver has until Monday to activate Cooper to the 53-man roster, but if they want him to play against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, that move will likely arrive on Saturday.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Broncos OLB Jonathon Cooper speaks for first time since reinstatement
