Denver Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper faces escalated domestic violence charges after a second arrest by Parker police, court records show, stemming from an incident that began with allegations of infidelity and included the bizarre detail of Cooper eating and damaging his girlfriend’s cellphone.
Cooper, 28, was initially arrested late Thursday, June 4, along with his longtime girlfriend Jade Fiegen following a physical altercation at his residence in the Denver area. Both were booked on misdemeanor domestic violence charges and criminal mischief.
According to police affidavits, the dispute erupted when Fiegen confronted Cooper about suspected cheating. She grabbed his phone, threw it against a wall and attempted to review messages on it. A physical struggle ensued as Cooper tried to retrieve the device.
Fiegen told officers that Cooper grabbed her by the neck with one hand, lifting her off the ground against a wall for about a minute. She also reported being pulled to the floor and being unable to get up at one point. Police observed a small mark on her neck, scratches on her arm and a cut on her hand.
In a notable detail from the incident, Cooper allegedly threatened to break Fiegen’s phone if she did not leave, then put the device in his mouth and bit it, causing disabling damage. Cooper admitted to officers that he damaged the phone in that manner.
Both provided differing accounts of the altercation’s severity, but mutual charges were filed initially. Cooper was released on a personal recognizance bond the following morning and pleaded not guilty on Monday, June 8, to the misdemeanor charges. A motions hearing is scheduled for July 6 with a potential jury trial set for July 22.
On June 11, authorities filed additional charges against Cooper, including a felony count of second-degree assault by strangulation and third-degree assault for knowingly or recklessly causing bodily injury. He also faces charges related to misdemeanor harassment from repeated calls and violating a protection order.
According to the arrest affidavit, Cooper allegedly sent 20 messages and made two unanswered phone calls to his girlfriend Thursday before going to her apartment and knocking on her door before leaving when she called 911. When police went to Cooper’s home, officers said he told them that he had not been served with a protection order.
The Broncos expressed disappointment in the matter and said they are reviewing it internally. The NFL is monitoring the situation under its personal conduct policy, which could result in a suspension if Cooper is found guilty. Cooper is in the third year of a contract that will pay him $12 million in 2026. He had a breakout 2025 season with eight sacks as a key starter on the edge.
Cooper issued a public apology following the initial arrest, stating he takes responsibility and that the incident does not reflect who he is.
This marks the latest off-field issue for an NFL player amid heightened league scrutiny on domestic violence cases. Cooper, a veteran entering his sixth season, had been participating in organized team activities prior to the incident.
Further court proceedings are expected in the coming weeks. The Broncos have not commented on Cooper’s status with the team beyond acknowledging awareness of the situation.
Flip the pages for photos of Jade Fiegen.
