The Denver Broncos celebrated the AFC West title in emphatic fashion, but not everyone did so with an institutional tone. While the organization secured the top spot in the division, defensive end Jonathon Cooper stole the spotlight with a profanity-laced message aimed at Patrick Mahomes’ Kansas City Chiefs.
The AFC West rivalry has always carried intensity. However, for some Denver players, eclipsing the Chiefs carried special meaning. Cooper did not hide his emotions and chose to express them publicly on social media, posting messages that quickly went viral. NFL reporter Ari Meirov highlighted the reaction with a post that read: “#Broncos DE Jonathon Cooper after officially clinching the AFC West last night 👀.”
Cooper posted two consecutive messages. The first left no room for interpretation: “F* the Chiefs.”** The second turned even more personal: “The b** made some low-rent corndogs.”** The comments immediately sparked divided reactions among fans and analysts, in a league where a player’s public image often draws as much scrutiny as on-field performance.
Celebration, context, and backtracking
According to Essentiallysports, Cooper’s individual performance against Kansas City proved modest. He recorded just one tackle in the entire game, matching his lowest total of the season. The Chiefs also entered the matchup shorthanded, already out of contention and relying on their third quarterback, Chris Oladokun. Still, Denver’s 20–13 victory resonated as a clear statement of divisional dominance.
#Broncos DE Jonathon Cooper after officially clinching the AFC West last night 👀 pic.twitter.com/z0iixKfvgk
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 28, 2025
The win appeared to ignite a competitive fire in Cooper, especially with only one regular-season game remaining and a deep playoff push approaching. However, the initial enthusiasm quickly shifted to caution. Hours later, Cooper deleted the posts, aware that his comments might not sit well with the league or the organization.
The damage, however, was already done. Screenshots spread rapidly, ensuring the remarks remained part of the public conversation. On the field, Denver already held first place in the AFC, but the Los Angeles Chargers’ loss to the Houston Texans further cemented the Broncos’ uncontested grip on the AFC West.
The episode underscores the emotional weight that accompanies major achievements, particularly within a rivalry shaped by years of Kansas City supremacy. For the Broncos, the division title marks a critical milestone. For Cooper, his words added a controversial chapter to a celebration that could have been remembered purely for football.
