Jonathon Cooper Bio
Jonathon Cooper is an American professional football linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes from 2016 to 2020. After being drafted in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL draft, Cooper faced significant health challenges but has established himself as a key player for the Broncos defense. His journey from a seventh-round selection dealing with a serious heart condition to becoming one of the NFL’s most consistent pass rushers exemplifies resilience and determination.
Early Life and Background
Jonathon Cooper was born on January 8, 1998, in Gahanna, Ohio. His mother, Jessica Moorman, was 17 years old and a high school student when he was born nine weeks premature, weighing only 4 pounds. Initially, Moorman felt unprepared for the responsibility of raising a child and planned to place Cooper for adoption. However, after spending two months with Cooper in the intensive care unit, she decided to raise him herself. Moorman went on to graduate from high school and earn her college degree while working a part-time job at an accounting firm.
Cooper began playing football at age 6, citing his mother’s work ethic as his primary inspiration. Prior to beginning high school at Gahanna-Lincoln, Cooper and his mother created a workout circuit in their basement to prepare him for the next level.
Path to Professional Football
During his freshman year of high school, Cooper was diagnosed with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, a rare heart condition that causes an abnormally fast heartbeat. Despite this diagnosis, he continued to pursue his football dreams and developed into a standout player at Gahanna-Lincoln High School.
Cooper played college football at Ohio State University from 2016 to 2020. Over 45 games during his collegiate career, he recorded 75 tackles and 10 sacks. He became the first Ohio State player to ever wear the number 0, a distinction awarded to him in recognition of his leadership qualities. In his final college season during 2020, Cooper earned second-team All-American honors and third-team All-Big Ten recognition.
Jonathon Cooper Career
Early Career (2021)
Two days before the 2021 NFL draft, doctors discovered an atrial fibrillation in Cooper’s heart that would ultimately require three separate procedures to treat. Heading into the draft, Cooper expected to be selected somewhere between the third and fifth rounds. However, his health complications caused him to fall to the seventh round, where the Denver Broncos selected him 239th overall. Broncos general manager George Paton noted that the organization was aware of Cooper’s health issues but was impressed by his motor and leadership abilities.
After missing rookie minicamp, Organized Team Activities, and mandatory minicamp due to his heart procedures, Cooper was finally cleared to attend training camp after being sidelined for a month. On June 15, 2021, he signed his four-year rookie contract with the Broncos.
Establishing Role and Breakthrough (2022–2023)
Cooper steadily carved out his role within the Broncos defense during his first two seasons. He demonstrated the persistence and work ethic that Broncos scouts had identified during the draft process. His ability to contribute consistently despite the challenges of his rookie season established him as a player the organization wanted to develop.
Ahead of the 2023 season, Cooper changed his jersey number from 53 to 0, the same number he wore at Ohio State. That season, he led the Broncos in sacks with 8.5, marking his first time leading the team in a major statistical category. This breakthrough performance proved he had overcome the health obstacles that had concerned NFL teams during the draft process.
Denver Broncos Era (2024–Present)
Cooper’s trajectory continued upward during the 2024 season. On November 4, 2024, he signed a four-year, $60 million extension with the Broncos after recording 5.5 sacks through nine games. He finished the 2024 season with his first double-digit sack season, recording 10.5 total sacks.
On March 21, 2025, Cooper’s contract was restructured to create salary cap space for the Broncos. That season, he earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for Week 6 after recording 2.0 sacks in a victory against the New York Jets.
Playing Style and Strengths
Cooper’s reputation throughout his career has been built on exceptional motor and football intelligence. His relentless pursuit of quarterbacks and ability to disrupt opposing passing attacks have made him a cornerstone of the Broncos defense. His mental toughness, demonstrated throughout his journey with heart conditions, translates to his approach on the field.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Cooper’s most significant career moments are wearing number 0 at both Ohio State and with the Broncos, earning AFC Defensive Player of the Week recognition in 2025, and reaching the 31.5 career sacks milestone. His journey from a seventh-round pick who required multiple heart procedures to a cornerstone defensive player represents one of the more remarkable perseverance stories in the NFL.
Jonathon Cooper Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career with the Denver Broncos, Jonathon Cooper has established himself as one of the league’s most consistent defensive players. His career statistics through the 2025 season include 266 tackles, 31.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, seven pass deflections, one interception, and one defensive touchdown.
Denver Broncos Highlights
Cooper’s most productive season came in 2024 when he recorded 10.5 sacks, his first double-digit sack season. In 2023, he led the Broncos with 8.5 sacks. As of the 2025 season, he has accumulated 31.5 career sacks across regular-season play, demonstrating consistent production as a pass rusher at the NFL level.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his sack totals, Cooper has contributed consistently to the Broncos defense through his tackling, ability to force turnovers, and disruptive presence. His Week 6 AFC Defensive Player of the Week performance in 2025 highlighted his ability to make game-changing plays when the Broncos needed them most.
Jonathon Cooper Family
Family Background and Early Support
Cooper’s mother, Jessica Moorman, played a pivotal role in shaping his character and work ethic from an early age. Her decision to raise Cooper despite the challenges of being a teenage parent, while simultaneously pursuing her education and working, became a foundational influence on his development as an athlete and person. Her example of perseverance and dedication directly inspired Cooper’s own approach to football and life.
Personal Life
Details regarding Jonathon Cooper’s personal life beyond his family background are not extensively documented in available public sources.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked another significant chapter in Cooper’s career with the Denver Broncos. His AFC Defensive Player of the Week recognition in Week 6, following a two-sack performance against the New York Jets, underscored his continued status as one of the Broncos’ most impactful defensive players. Cooper’s consistency and leadership continued to anchor the Broncos defense throughout the season.