Jonathon Cooper

COOPER AT A GLANCE:

• A sixth-year outside linebacker who has played 81 regular-season games (65 starts) for the Broncos from 2021-25, nabbing 259 tackles (141 solo), 31.5 sacks (210.0 yds.), one interception (4 yds.), seven passes defensed, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries (1 TD).
• Made seven tackles (5 solo) and one sack in three postseason games (3 starts) with Denver.
• Totaled six career multi-sack games, which is tied for the seventh most by any seventh-round draft choice since 1994.
• Started all 17 regular-season games in 2025, totaling 50 tackles (23 solo), eight sacks (59.0 yds.), 16 quarterback hits and four passes defensed while also notching one sack (2 yds.) in two postseason starts.
• Reached the double-digit sack mark for the first time in his career after setting a career-high 10.5 sacks (50.5 yds.) along with 58 tackles (33 solo), 20 quarterback hits, one pass defensed and one forced fumble in 17 starts in 2024.
• Recorded a team-high 8.5 sacks (65.5 yds.) along with 70 tackles (43 solo), one interception (4 yds.), two passes defensed, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries in 17 starts in 2023.
• Started 9-of-14 games played in 2022, making 44 tackles (20 solo) and two sacks (13 yds.).
• Appeared in 16 games (5 starts) as a rookie in 2021, totaling 37 tackles (22 solo), 2.5 sacks (22 yds.) and one fumble recovery.
• Played 45 games (25 starts) at Ohio State (2016-20), collecting 75 tackles (44 solo), 10 sacks (66 yds.), two pass breakups, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.
• Selected as an All-Big Ten honoree on two occasions, including third-team recognition in 2020.
• Became the first player in Ohio State history to wear the "Block O" jersey, which is given to the player who best represents the legacy of former Buckeye Bill Willis and exhibits selfless, player-driven leadership qualities.
• Started all eight games played in 2020, tallying 24 tackles (12 solo), 3.5 sacks (29 yds.), one pass breakup and one forced fumble.
• Limited to just four games (all starts) as a true senior in 2019 before suffering a season-ending injury and electing to redshirt.
• Opened all 13 games in 2018, posting a career-high 25 tackles (14 solo) to go along with 2.5 sacks (9 yds.) and one fumble recovery.
• Tallied 15 tackles (11 solo), two sacks (17 yds.) and one fumble recovery in 14 games played in 2017.
• Appeared in six games as a true freshman, adding six tackles (2 solo) and one sack (5 yds.).
• Prepped at Lincoln High School in Gahanna, Ohio, where he was named the state's Defensive Player of the Year while being selected to the All-USA Ohio football team as a senior.
• Selected by the Broncos in the seventh round (239th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft.

COOPER AT A GLANCE:

• A sixth-year outside linebacker who has played 81 regular-season games (65 starts) for the Broncos from 2021-25, nabbing 259 tackles (141 solo), 31.5 sacks (210.0 yds.), one interception (4 yds.), seven passes defensed, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries (1 TD).
• Made seven tackles (5 solo) and one sack in three postseason games (3 starts) with Denver.
• Totaled six career multi-sack games, which is tied for the seventh most by any seventh-round draft choice since 1994.
• Started all 17 regular-season games in 2025, totaling 50 tackles (23 solo), eight sacks (59.0 yds.), 16 quarterback hits and four passes defensed while also notching one sack (2 yds.) in two postseason starts.
• Reached the double-digit sack mark for the first time in his career after setting a career-high 10.5 sacks (50.5 yds.) along with 58 tackles (33 solo), 20 quarterback hits, one pass defensed and one forced fumble in 17 starts in 2024.
• Recorded a team-high 8.5 sacks (65.5 yds.) along with 70 tackles (43 solo), one interception (4 yds.), two passes defensed, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries in 17 starts in 2023.
• Started 9-of-14 games played in 2022, making 44 tackles (20 solo) and two sacks (13 yds.).
• Appeared in 16 games (5 starts) as a rookie in 2021, totaling 37 tackles (22 solo), 2.5 sacks (22 yds.) and one fumble recovery.
• Played 45 games (25 starts) at Ohio State (2016-20), collecting 75 tackles (44 solo), 10 sacks (66 yds.), two pass breakups, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.
• Selected as an All-Big Ten honoree on two occasions, including third-team recognition in 2020.
• Became the first player in Ohio State history to wear the "Block O" jersey, which is given to the player who best represents the legacy of former Buckeye Bill Willis and exhibits selfless, player-driven leadership qualities.
• Started all eight games played in 2020, tallying 24 tackles (12 solo), 3.5 sacks (29 yds.), one pass breakup and one forced fumble.
• Limited to just four games (all starts) as a true senior in 2019 before suffering a season-ending injury and electing to redshirt.
• Opened all 13 games in 2018, posting a career-high 25 tackles (14 solo) to go along with 2.5 sacks (9 yds.) and one fumble recovery.
• Tallied 15 tackles (11 solo), two sacks (17 yds.) and one fumble recovery in 14 games played in 2017.
• Appeared in six games as a true freshman, adding six tackles (2 solo) and one sack (5 yds.).
• Prepped at Lincoln High School in Gahanna, Ohio, where he was named the state's Defensive Player of the Year while being selected to the All-USA Ohio football team as a senior.
• Selected by the Broncos in the seventh round (239th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft.

2025: Cooper started all 17 games and recorded 50 tackles (23 solo), eight sacks (59.0 yds.), eight tackles for loss and a career-high four passes defensed... Also totaled four solo tackles and one sack (2 yds.) in the postseason... Slipped into the backfield to record one sack (6 yds.) of Titans QB Cam Ward in addition to two tackles (2 solo) vs. Ten. (9/7)... Added his second sack of the season by taking down Chargers QB Justin Herbert (7 yds.) while totaling four tackles (2 solo) at LAC (9/21)... Recorded a half sack of Bengals QB Jake Browning (3 yds.) while tallying two tackles (1 solo), two quarterback hits and one pass defensed vs. Cin. (9/29)... Tied a career-high with 2.0 sacks of Jets QB Justin Fields (19 yds.) while also finishing with five tackles (2 solo) and three quarterback hits in the win at NYJ (10/12)... Tallied another game with at least one sack by recording 1.5 sacks of Giants QB Jaxson Dart (5 yds.) vs. NYG (10/19)... Marked consecutive games with at least 1.5 sacks for the first time in his career... Tallied a career-high two passes defensed in addition to four tackles vs. Dal. (10/26)... Recorded his seventh sack of the season of Texans QB Davis Mills (12 yds.) at Hou. (11/2)... Registered a half sack on Raiders QB Geno Smith (1.5 yds.) vs. L.V. (11/6)... Accumulated a season-high six tackles (4 solo) and one tackle for loss at Was. (11/30)... Totaled five tackles (1 solo) while recording a half sack on Packers QB Jordan Love (5.5 yds.) in the win vs. G.B. (12/14)... Recorded his first career postseason sack by dropping Patriots QB Drake Maye (2 yds.) in the AFC Championship Game vs. N.E. (1/25) while also posting two tackles (2 solo) and one quarterback hit.

2024: Cooper started 17 regular-season contests for the Broncos, tallying 58 tackles (33 solo), a career-high 10.5 sacks (50.5 yds.), 20 quarterback hits and one forced fumble... Led the Broncos with two sacks (13 yds.) at Sea. (9/8), marking the third multi-sack game of his career and first since 2023 vs. Was. (9/17)... Became the first Bronco since OLB Von Miller in 2018 (vs. Sea., 9/9) to record multiple sacks in the first half of the season opener... Tallied three tackles (2 solo), including one sack (5 yds.), at T.B. (9/22)... With his sack of Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield, he tied DE Fred Stokes and NT Jeff Wright for the 13th-most quarterback takedowns by a player drafted in the seventh round or later in the NFL Draft in his first 50 career games... Recorded one sack of Raiders QB Gardner Minshew (3 yds.) vs. L.V. (10/6)... Totaled six tackles (4 solo), a half sack (DE Zach Allen) and one forced fumble vs. LAC (10/13)... Tallied five tackles (4 solo) and one sack of Panthers QB Bryce Young (3 yds.) vs. Car. (10/27)... Registered six tackles (3 solo) and one sack of Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes (2 yds.) at K.C. (11/10)... Recorded three tackles (1 solo) and a half sack (ILB Cody Barton) at L.V. (11/24)... Nabbed three tackles (2 solo) and one sack of Browns QB Jameis Winston (8 yds.) vs. Cle. (12/2)... Tallied four tackles (3 solo) and 1.5 sacks (6.5 yds.) of Bengals QB Joe Burrow at Cin. (12/28), setting a new career high with 9.5 quarterback takedowns on the season... Sacked Chiefs QB Carson Wentz (4 yds.) vs. K.C. (1/5), eclipsing the double-digit sack mark for the first time in his career... Along with OLB Nik Bonitto (13.5 sacks in 2024), became the first Broncos duo to record double-digit sacks since 2018 (OLBs Bradley Chubb and Von Miller)... Started first career postseason appearance and recorded three tackles (1 solo) at Buf. (1/12) in the AFC Wild Card Round.

2023: Cooper set a career best with a team-high 8.5 sacks (65.5 yds.) along with 70 tackles (43 solo), one interception (4 yds.), two passes defensed, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries in 17 starts... Tied his career-high of two sacks (20 yds.), including a strip sack of Commanders QB Sam Howell, along with a career-best eight tackles (3 solo) vs. Was. (9/17)... His strip sack of Howell was his first career forced fumble... Made six tackles (3 solo) at Mia. (9/24)... Sacked Bears QB Justin Fields for a six-yard loss, made five tackles (2 solo) and recovered a strip sack forced by OLB Nik Bonitto for a touchdown at Chi. (10/1)... His scoop-and-score was the first by a Bronco since 2019 when S Kareem Jackson recovered a fumble for a score at Hou. (12/8)... Sacked Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes for a two-yard loss while also contributing three solo tackles and his first career pass defensed at K.C. (10/12)... Made six tackles (3 solo) in the win vs. G.B. (10/22)... Recovered a strip sack from OLB Baron Browning while also assisting on a sack (3.5 yds.) and made three tackles (1 solo) in the win vs. K.C. (10/29)... Sacked Vikings QB Josh Dobbs for an 11-yard loss and also made five tackles (2 solo) in the win vs. Min. (11/19)... Finished with five tackles (4 solo) and one quarterback hit in the win vs. Cle. (11/26)... Made seven tackles (4 solo) at Hou. (12/3)... Nabbed his first career interception off Chargers QB Justin Herbert and also made two solo tackles at LAC (12/10)... Sacked Lions QB Jared Goff at Det. (12/16) to tie former Broncos LB Ken Woodard for the fourth-most sacks (11.0) by a Broncos' draft selection in the seventh round or later... Posted four solo tackles and one sack (10 yds.) on Patriots QB Bailey Zappe vs. N.E. (12/24)... Recorded a sack in a third straight game after bringing down Chargers QB Easton Stick for a five-yard loss.

2022: Cooper started 9-of-14 games played, making 44 tackles (20 solo) and two sacks (13 yds.)... Made his first start of the season in the win at Jac. (10/30), tallying five tackles (1 solo)... Produced a career-high seven tackles (5 solo) along with a QB hit vs. L.V. (11/20)... Notched his first sack of the season against Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (6 yds.) along with five tackles (1 solo) at Bal. (12/4)... Picked up a sack in a second-straight game after taking down Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes while also logging two tackles (1 solo) vs. K.C. (12/11)... Tied a career-high 7 tackles (3 solo) at LAR (12/25).

2021: Cooper, who was selected by the Broncos in the seventh round (239th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft, appeared in 16 games (5 starts), totaling 37 tackles (22 solo), 2.5 sacks (22 yds.), and one fumble recovery... Made his NFL debut in Week 1 at NYG (9/12)... Collected first career tackle vs. NYJ (9/26)... Recorded five tackles (2 solo) and a career-high three quarterback hits at Cle. (10/21)... Collected first career start, tallying two assisted tackles vs. Was. (10/31)... Registered the first two sacks of his career and tallied two quarterback takedowns (20 yds.) and four tackles (3 solo) at Dal. (11/7)... Posted five tackles (4 solo) vs. Phi. (11/14)... Registered first career fumble recovery and added five solo tackles vs. Det. (12/12)... Totaled 0.5 sacks (2 yds.) and had a career-high six tackles (4 solo) vs. Cin. (12/19).

COLLEGE: Cooper served as a two-year captain and started 25-of-45 games played over his five seasons (2016-20) at Ohio State... Selected as an All-Big Ten honoree on two occasions, including third-team recognition in 2020... Became the first player in Ohio State history to wear the "Block O" jersey which is given to the player who best represents the legacy of former Buckeye Bill Willis and exhibits selfless, player-driven leadership qualities... Started all eight games played in his final collegiate campaign in 2020, compiling 24 tackles (12 solo), 3.5 sacks (29 yds.), one pass breakup and one forced fumble... Limited to just four games (all starts) during his true senior season in 2019 before suffering a season-ending injury and electing to redshirt... Opened all 13 games in 2018, compiling 25 tackles (24 solo), 2.5 sacks (9 yds.) and one fumble recovery... Tallied 15 tackles (11 solo), two sacks (17 yds.) and one fumble recovery in 14 games played in 2017... Appeared in six games as a true freshman in 2016, garnering six tackles (2 solo) and one sack (5 yds.).

PERSONAL: Cooper attended Lincoln High School in Gahanna, Ohio, where he was named USA Today's Ohio Defensive Player of the Year while being selected to the All-USA Ohio football team as a senior... Selected to the Associated Press All-State team as a senior... Jonathon Cooper was born Jan. 8, 1998, in Gahanna, Ohio.

TRANSACTIONS: Signed by Denver as a draft choice 6/15/21; Re-signed by Denver 11/4/24.