Heart of a Bronco
By John Calamari
Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper, from Gahanna, Ohio, is making his impact in the Broncos' special defense. Since his incredible four years at The Ohio State University, Jonathon Cooper has been an exceptional team player, accumulating some of the most impressive statistics amongst linebackers in the NFL. Despite the challenges he has faced, Jonathon has overcome them and has never given up.
Throughout Johnathon's life, he has battled serious heart issues. As a Kid Correspondent for Children's Hospital Colorado, I asked him about his cardiac journey. "Yeah, I have ... Wolff-Parkison-White syndrome (WPW), and yeah, I've had like six hard ablations. They went in there and just burned your heart," said Jonathon. As a fellow congenital heart disease patient, I had the opportunity to speak with him about how his CHD impacted his football career. These procedures typically limit a person's ability to participate in sports, but Jonathon fought hard and was selected in the NFL draft. While many teams were hesitant due to his heart condition, the Broncos took a gamble on Johnathon. "And then when I got drafted, I fell on the draft because of this hard stuff," he explained.
The NFL is a highly competitive and physically demanding league featuring world-class athletes. Even when games don't go his way or challenges come up, Jonathon fights through and never stops believing. "Believing is a huge part of this league, so you have to make sure you keep that energy on the sideline and stuff. So just never lose faith in each other. And you know, no matter how the game was swinging, we just knew we're still in it, and that's the key, man. Just never give up. Keep fighting."
Since the Broncos drafted him, he has been a devoted member of the team. When I asked Jonathon what it meant for him to be a part of the organization, he said, "Yeah, everything it means, everything to be a part of this team, a part of such a great organization with great owners and great, great people all around, great coaches. And then just the players, obviously, like my teammates, are the best people I've ever been around in my life. And I mean, they're really my brothers, and I can say them that way, and it's just been a lot of fun just being out there and going to war every Sunday with them."
Getting a new coach can be challenging, but Cooper has embraced every change with a good attitude. He continues to adapt and thrive, regardless of who's leading the team. "I think he's one of the best coaches I've ever had, as far as the way he approaches the game, the way he coaches us, the way he talks to us. It's just inspiring. It's inspiring, it's motivating. It always drives me to be the best that I can be," said Cooper. His positive mindset and leadership have helped the Broncos adapt to change and stay focused on their goals, no matter who's calling the plays.
Not only does his organization help him out, but the fans at Empower Field at Mile HIgh play a significant role. Fans pack the stadium on Sundays, dressing up and cheering loudly. Jonathon feeds off the energy of the fans and loves to hear Mile High get loud. "The fans are super important, and I think we have the best fans in the NFL," said Jonathon.
Jonathon Cooper's journey is a reminder that hard work and belief can overcome any obstacle. From battling a heart condition to becoming a key player for the Denver Broncos, he continues to prove that determination and faith can take you anywhere. No matter the challenges ahead, Cooper's energy, positivity, and love for the game make him a true inspiration to both his teammates and fans. "You just have to accept it and keep fighting. Man, just keep going."
