Tag: Broncos

Oct 5, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper (0) during warmups against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Broncos LB Jonathon Cooper arrested again, felony charge added

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper was arrested Thursday on multiple charges that he violated a protection order filed against him earlier this week.

Cooper initially was arrested and jailed in Douglas County (Colo.) early last Friday on misdemeanor domestic violence charges before being released later that morning. A felony charge for second-degree assault by strangulation and an additional misdemeanor charge of third-degree assault stemming from that incident were announced in court on Wednesday, according to ESPN, citing court records.

On Thursday, he was charged with harassment from repeated phone calls as well as violation of a protection order. He was held overnight at the Douglas County Jail awaiting a scheduled court hearing Friday.

“We are disappointed to learn of Jonathon Cooper’s arrest on Thursday and continue to review this matter,” the Broncos said in a statement Friday morning.

Parker Police responded to a call and arrested Cooper at 11:16 p.m. on June 4. He was released from Douglas County Jail the following day on a personal recognizance bond.

Arrest records from June 4 indicate Cooper and his girlfriend were involved in a disagreement over allegations of infidelity. In separate signed affidavits, the parties gave much different accounts of the events that caused the argument to escalate.

A pre-trial hearing was set for July 6 during Cooper’s court appearance on Monday. A trial date of July 22 falls within a week of the likely start of Denver’s training camp.

The NFL is aware of the charges and is monitoring the situation.

“I think the league has done a good job of kind of coming in and really taking over that responsibility,” Broncos head coach Sean Payton said Thursday, when asked if the NFL will be involved.

“We had a long visit with ‘Coop’, and now the process plays out. The league obviously will be very much involved in that. We’ll stay abreast, but much like you all. I think that’s where it’s at. We just go from there.”

Cooper, 28, has started every game in each of the past three seasons for Denver and has played in 81 games (65 starts) since the Broncos drafted him in the seventh round in 2021.

Cooper recorded eight sacks, 50 tackles and 16 quarterback hits last season. He has 31.5 sacks, 63 QB hits, 266 tackles, three fumble recoveries (one for a touchdown), two forced fumbles and one interception.

He signed a four-year, $60 million extension in November 2024.

–Field Level Media

Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Broncos, Sean Payton agree to 5-year deal through 2030

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Sean Payton agreed to terms Thursday on a new five-year contract with the Denver Broncos that spans through the 2030 season.

The deal replaces the final two years Payton, 62, had remaining on his existing deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.

“Sean Payton has led an impressive turnaround over the past three seasons, instilling a winning culture with high expectations,” Broncos owner Greg Penner said in a news release. “I appreciate the close partnership he shares with (general manager) George Paton, along with the alignment and stability across our football operations.

“We’re thrilled for Sean to continue leading our team as head coach, building on our progress during such an exciting time for the Broncos.”

Payton guided the Broncos to a 14-3 record and an appearance in the AFC Championship Game last season. He is 32-19 during his three seasons at the helm in Denver.

The Broncos acquired Payton from the New Orleans Saints in 2023. Denver traded a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and a second-round selection in 2024 to New Orleans. The Broncos received a third-round pick in 2024 to complete that deal.

The new five-year contract links Payton and Paton through the 2030 season. Paton, who signed his deal in May, joined Denver as the GM in 2021 after 14 seasons in the Minnesota Vikings’ front office (2007-20).

Payton spent 15 seasons as the head coach of the Saints (2006-11, 2013-21), highlighted by a Super Bowl XLIV title during the 2009 season. He also was named the NFL Coach of the Year in 2006.

Payton owns a 184-108 record as the head coach of the Saints and Broncos. His win total is second only to Kansas City’s Andy Reid (279) among active NFL coaches.

–Field Level Media

Dec 21, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper (0) before the game at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Broncos LB Jonathon Cooper pleads not guilty to domestic violence

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Denver Broncos outside linebacker Jonathon Cooper pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor domestic violence charges on Monday, sending the case toward a likely trial set for July.

Cooper was arrested and jailed in Douglas County (Colo.) early last Friday after police responded to a call and arrested the 28-year-old at 11:16 p.m. Thursday.

Arrest records indicate Cooper and his girlfriend, also arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor domestic violence with an additional charge of petty criminal mischief, were involved in a disagreement over allegations of infidelity. In signed affidavits, the parties gave much different accounts of the events that caused the argument to escalate.

Cooper posted an apology to social media on Saturday.

“I apologize to my family to my friends and my community … And so many others,” it read.

A pre-trial hearing was set for July 6 during Cooper’s court appearance on Monday. A trial date of July 22 falls within a week of the likely start of Denver’s training camp.

His attorney requested an expedited trial to avoid any conflict with training camp or the Broncos’ preseason schedule.

Cooper has started every game in each of the past three seasons for Denver and has played in 81 games (65 starts) since the Broncos drafted him in the seventh round in 2021.

Cooper recorded eight sacks, 50 tackles and 16 quarterback hits last season. He has 31.5 sacks, 63 QB hits, 266 tackles, three fumble recoveries (one for a touchdown), two forced fumbles and one interception.

He signed a four-year, $60 million extension in November 2024.

–Field Level Media

Jan 17, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) throws during the fourth quarter of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Buffalo Bills at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Sean Payton expects QB Bo Nix to participate in minicamp June 16-18

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Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix is on track in his recovery from a fractured ankle and expected to participate in mandatory minicamp on June 16-18, head coach Sean Payton said Thursday.

The Broncos’ first three days of voluntary OTAs concluded Thursday, the first session open to the media. Nix was in attendance but did not participate with the team during this time.

“It’s good,” Payton said of Nix’s progress in his recovery after fracturing his right ankle in Denver’s divisional-round playoff win over the Buffalo Bills on Jan. 17.

“You don’t see the pre-practice, but he’s been throwing,” the coach said. “I do think in our third week, when you guys (media) are out here for three straight days, I think you’ll see more of a role.”

Denver has a second week of OTAs slated for June 9-11, with Nix expected to miss that as well, Payton said.

Quarterbacks Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger are competing for the backup position behind Nix.

Nix, 26, had surgery three days after the injury, and underwent a pre-planned cleanup procedure on the ankle in April.

He has been a spark in the two seasons since Denver picked him 12th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. He has posted a 24-10 regular-season record with a 64.8 completion percentage, 7,706 passing yards and 54 touchdowns to 23 interceptions. He has also rushed for 786 yards and nine TDs, leading the Broncos to the playoffs both years.

–Field Level Media

New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson (3) passes to a teammate before Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson (35) can get to him, Sunday, September 21, 2025.

Longtime QB Russell Wilson announces retirement

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Longtime NFL quarterback Russell Wilson announced his retirement on Wednesday at age 37.

Wilson made his announcement during a three-minute, 16-second video posted to social media.

The 10-time Pro Bowl selection titled the announcement “Thank You, Football, Love, #3.”

Wilson said he will be working for CBS this season. The NFL Today pregame show has reportedly settled on him to replace Matt Ryan, now the president of football for the Atlanta Falcons.

Wilson played 10 of his 14 NFL seasons (2012-21) with the Seattle Seahawks and led the squad to the 2013 season Super Bowl title. The Seahawks lost in the Super Bowl the following season.

Wilson threw 292 of his 353 career touchdown passes with the Seahawks. He started all 158 games he played in for Seattle, including each game in 2012 after being a third-round draft pick under then-coach Pete Carroll.

“To coach Carroll, thanks for taking a chance on a young, 5-11 Black kid from Richmond, Virginia, that was told he was too small to ever make it in the NFL,” Wilson said. “We knew what winning was like. And to every teammate I’ve had the privilege of sharing the locker room with, thank you for the sacrifices, the brotherhood, the memories. None of this is possible without you.”

Though Wilson played for four teams, the city of Seattle was the only town that got a shout-out from Wilson.

“To Seattle, you raised me,” Wilson said. “Not just all the wins and crazy-loud games, but also the forever memories after we won the Super Bowl. … But even more important, the kids at Seattle Children’s Hospital, you gave me hope and belief in a better tomorrow. And hopefully I did the same for you.”

After the 2021 season, Wilson was traded to Denver. The Broncos went 11-19 in his starts over the next two seasons. He played for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024 and started three games for the New York Giants last season before rookie Jaxson Dart became the starter.

Wilson passed for 46,966 yards and 114 interceptions in 205 games (202 starts). He also rushed for 5,568 yards and 31 touchdowns, making him the lone player in NFL history to top both 40,000 passing yards and 5,000 rushing yards.

Wilson was named the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year in 2020.

Wilson is now ready to talk about football as opposed to playing the game.

“As I enter this next chapter with CBS Sports and The NFL Today, I’m so blessed to continue doing what I love most — being around the greatest game in the world,” Wilson said.

–Field Level Media

Nov 10, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) greets Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) after the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Broncos, Chiefs to kick off 2026 season on MNF

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The Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos take their AFC West rivalry to primetime in the opening “Monday Night Football” game of the 2026 season.

The location was not yet announced.

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is working his way back from a torn ACL and has targeted a return for the Week 1 matchup.

Broncos quarterback Bo Nix also ended his season with an injury that required surgery. Head coach Sean Payton said Nix is expected to be “full speed” for training camp after two procedures on his ankle.

Denver swept the Chiefs last season and won the division for the first time since 2015, the last time the Broncos won the Super Bowl.

Kansas City won the West from 2016-24 but finished in third place in the division in 2025.

The Chiefs were rumored to be under consideration to visit the Seahawks in the NFL Opening Night game that features the defending Super Bowl champions.

The NFL has not announced Seattle’s opponent with the full NFL schedule to be released Thursday night.

–Field Level Media

Aug 12, 1978; Denver, CO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Denver Broncos quarterback Craig Morton (7) in action against the Dallas Cowboys during a preseason game at Mile High Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY NETWORK

Craig Morton, Broncos’ Ring of Honor QB, dies at 83

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Former Broncos quarterback Craig Morton, who led Denver to its first Super Bowl appearance and is a member of the franchise’s Ring of Honor, died at home at 83 on Saturday, the team announced.

Joining the Broncos in 1977, the former Cal star guided the team to Super Bowl XII, a 27-10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Morton was named the PFWA Comeback Player of the Year after posting a 12-2 record and 1,929 passing yards with 14 touchdowns that season. Finishing his career with the Broncos in 1982, he was inducted into the team’s Ring of Fame in 1988.

Morton spent nine-plus seasons (1965-74) with the Dallas Cowboys, who drafted him No. 5 overall in the 1965 NFL Draft, then played parts of three seasons with the New York Giants (1974-76) before joining the Broncos.

Morton trails only Hall of Famers Peyton Manning and John Elway in Broncos’ passing yards with 11,895. Morton ranks third with 74 passing touchdowns and second in game-winning drives to Elway with 14.

Over his 18-year NFL career, Morton finished 81-62-1 with 2,053 completions for 27,908 yards and 183 touchdown passes. He also rushed for 627 yards and 12 scores.

–Field Level Media

Sep 2, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Braelon Allen (0) rushes with the football as Buffalo Bulls linebacker Red Murdock (2) defends during the third quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Buffalo star Red Murdock is ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ after Broncos tab him last in draft

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Red Murdock enjoyed a storied college career at Buffalo but all his accolades and production weren’t appearing especially relevant in the eyes of NFL teams.

But Murdock was finally chosen Sunday by the Denver Broncos with the 257th and last pick of the seven-round 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, earning him the label of “Mr. Irrelevant.”

The second-team All-American is the 51st player to earn the “Mr. Irrelevant” tag since the tradition began in 1976.

Murdock, whose birth name is Khalil, set the FBS record of 17 career forced fumbles during his time at Buffalo. He had four in 2023, seven in 2024 and six in 2025. Ironically, another former Buffalo star, longtime NFL player Khalil Mack, held the previous record of 16.

Murdock ranked third in the nation with 142 tackles in 2025 and also had five sacks among 13.5 tackles for loss. In 2024, he was second nationally with 156 stops. He was a first-team All-Mid-American-Conference choice in both seasons.

Still, Murdock was getting concerned in the latter stages of the three-day draft. He didn’t want to go undrafted.

“I feel extremely grateful and excited to help the Broncos win, above all else,” Murdock told reporters. “I know a little bit about Mr. Irrelevant, but the main thing is I got an opportunity, and I’m trying to make the most of it to help us win.”

The most prominent Mr. Irrelevant is quarterback Brock Purdy, who was the final pick of the 2022 draft by the San Francisco 49ers. Purdy was repeatedly passed over despite a highly decorated college career at Iowa State.

It didn’t take long for the pick to pay dividends as Purdy quarterbacked the 49ers to the 2023 season’s Super Bowl before his club lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.

The creator of Mr. Irrelevant, former NFL receiver Paul Salata, died at age 94 in 2021.

The last pick receives more attention than any other seventh-round selection and the notoriety reaches its zenith when the player travels to Southern California to be honored during Irrelevant Week. Among the festivities is the awarding of the “Lowsman Trophy.”

–Field Level Media

Nov 30, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) takes the field prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Storry-Imagn Images

Broncos’ Sean Payton excited to add ‘explosive’ Jaylen Waddle’s versatility

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Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton anticipated the question about where he puts new acquisition Jaylen Waddle in the wide receiver pecking order.

“We’re not just going to have, and I know someone’s getting ready to ask me, ‘Is he receiver (No.) 1 or 2?’ So we don’t have (that),” Payton said Tuesday at the NFL’s annual meeting in Phoenix. “We just play different packages and try to give those guys the things that they do well.”

What Waddle does is run really fast, and he stops fast, Payton said, and is a “tremendous route runner” with an expansive route tree.

“The best thing that I think he does is he’s explosive; he’s dynamic,” Payton said. “A lot of times, the guys run fast, but I think he sends his hips in transition. I think you’ll see him play inside in the slot; you’ll see him outside.”

Denver acquired Waddle and a fourth-round pick in next month’s draft from the Miami Dolphins on March 17 in exchange for first-, third- and fourth-round selections.

Waddle, 27, recorded 64 catches for 910 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games (all starts) last season for the rebuilding Dolphins. He is owed $68.6 million over the next three seasons.

He has 373 receptions for 5,039 yards and 26 touchdowns in 78 career games (all starts) since being selected by Miami with the sixth overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft out of Alabama.

Payton said the organization talked to former Alabama coach Nick Saban and others who have worked with Waddle, whose competitive drive “came up time and again.”

“Whenever you get into a big-name free agent or a trade of this magnitude, all the other stuff is important to research,” Payton said. “When it comes to Waddle’s all the other stuff, it was 10, 10, 10, 10, 10. So I think, obviously, it will help us.”

Waddle will give Broncos quarterback Bo Nix another prime target in addition to Courtland Sutton, a two-time Pro Bowl receiver. Sutton led the Broncos in catches (74), receiving yards (1,017) and receiving touchdowns (seven) last season as the team (14-3) won the AFC West and advanced to the conference championship game.

The Broncos’ receivers also include Pat Bryant, Troy Franklin and Marvin Mims Jr.

Waddle said after the trade that he didn’t “think there are No. 1s; everyone is here to make plays and try to win. That’s ultimately the goal for the team and for the organization.”

Payton on Tuesday said that a locker room is welcoming to any player who can help the team and is a good fit.

“I think whenever you are able to bring in someone that is highly competitive, his personality and all of those things (help),” Payton said. “I think the good teams welcome those players because they know it’s another piece and another opportunity to improve your team.”

–Field Level Media

Dec 21, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Jaylen Waddle thrilled about reunion with Broncos star Patrick Surtain II

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One of the perks of being traded to the Denver Broncos for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is the opportunity to be a teammate of close friend Patrick Surtain II.

The former Alabama teammates often discussed being on the same NFL team at some point during their careers, even more so when both were top-10 picks in the 2021 NFL Draft. Waddle went sixth overall to the Miami Dolphins and Surtain, a cornerback, was chosen at No. 9 by the Broncos.

But Wednesday, the duo officially became NFL teammates when the Broncos formally announced they acquired Waddle and a fourth-round pick in the 2026 draft from the Dolphins for three 2026 picks – a first-rounder, a third-rounder and a fourth-rounder.

“It was special,” Waddle said of learning he’d be playing with Surtain, the 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. “He was one of the first calls that I made. We talked about this earlier in our careers, we wanted to get together and play with each other. Just seeing it happen, it’s special.”

The frequent conversations allowed Waddle to glean some information about Denver coach Sean Payton’s methods.

“Not too many details,” Waddle said. “We kept in contact through the years when Coach Payton has been here. He’s been keeping me in the loop without even knowing.”

The acquisition of Waddle gives Denver another solid target for quarterback Bo Nix. The Broncos feature two-time Pro Bowl wideout Courtland Sutton, who led the team in catches (74), receiving yards (1,017) and receiving touchdowns (seven) in 2025.

The 5-foot-10 Waddle recorded 64 catches for 910 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games last season for the Dolphins. He is signed through the 2028 season.

“I don’t think there are No. 1s, everyone is here to make plays and try to win,” Waddle said of the receiving room. “That’s ultimately the goal for the team and for the organization.”

Waddle, 27, has 373 receptions for 5,039 yards and 26 touchdowns in 78 career games (all starts) since entering the NFL. He topped 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first three seasons and had a career-high 104 catches as a rookie in 2021.

Best of the deal for Waddle is he gets to play on a team expected to contend for a second straight AFC Championship Game berth. The Dolphins aren’t part of that conversation after going 7-10 last season and entering a rebuilding phase.

“It’s exciting, like I said, just playing with great players,” Waddle said. “Everyone is talking about how great and close the team is. I’m excited to be around the guys, get to know them, and they get to know me and go from there.”

–Field Level Media