NFL commissioner Roger Goodell clears Broncos' Jonathon Cooper to return
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell removed Broncos pass rusher Jonathon Cooper from the commissioner's exempt list.
Cooper missed Denver's first six games; the league's conduct review is still open.
Background
Roger Goodell has been NFL commissioner since 2006 and is a Bronxville native. Jonathon Cooper, a 28-year-old Denver Broncos pass rusher making $12 million this season, was arrested in June after an argument and physical confrontation with his then-girlfriend that led to a felony strangulation charge, and was arrested again a week later for violating a protection order, according to the arrest affidavit. The commissioner's exempt list (a status that keeps a player away from team activities while the league reviews his case) was applied on Aug. 30, and Goodell lifted it on Oct. 16.
How it unfolded
- Jun 4, 2026Broncos pass rusher Jonathon Cooper was arrested after an argument and physical confrontation with his then-girlfriend that resulted in a felony strangulation charge, and was arrested again a week later for violating a protection order, per the arrest affidavit.
- Aug 30, 2026Cooper was placed on the commissioner's exempt list.
- Oct 16, 2026Goodell removed Cooper from the exempt list; Cooper had missed Denver's first six games and became eligible to play at Arizona on Oct. 25.
- Oct 17, 2026Goodell met with Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and General Assembly leadership as the Bears continue pursuing a new stadium.
- Oct 20, 2026Westchester County announced its 2026 Sports Hall of Fame class, including Goodell; induction is set for Nov. 4 at the Westchester County Center in White Plains.
Who’s saying what
- Party
- Cooper said playing in the NFL and representing the Broncos is a privilege he does not take for granted, thanked Goodell and the league for the opportunity to return, and said he has spent months working to better himself.
- Caution
- TV host Craig Carton raised whether Goodell will attend the NFL's first game in Paris amid civil unrest.
Still unverified
Whether Goodell will attend the NFL's first game in Paris amid riots, raised as an open question by TV host Craig Carton. The league's review of Cooper's conduct for a possible personal conduct policy violation remains ongoing and is unaffected by his status change.