Denver Broncos outside linebackers coach Michael Wilhoite is facing a felony assault charge after allegedly punching an officer in the face at the Denver International Airport’s drop-off line on Sunday.
Court documents obtained by 9 News describe the 38-year-old’s encounter with police. According to the report, Wilhoite parked his 2021 Ford Bronco in the departure area and left it unattended. Police told him twice that he could not leave his vehicle unattended, but Wilhoite reportedly responded by telling the officer to “shut the (expletive) up.” The situation escalated into a shoving match, and police allege Wilhoite punched the officer in the face. The officer fell to the ground, and as Wilhoite was getting back into his car, the officer deployed a taser. Wilhoite drove away after the incident, and police said the officer sustained visible injuries, including jaw pain.
Wilhoite was granted a $5,000 bond by Magistrate Arnie Beckman during a court hearing on Monday.
Wilhoite, who joined the Broncos in 2023 as part of Sean Payton’s coaching staff, had previously worked with Payton in New Orleans in 2019 and 2020. He also spent two years as the linebackers coach for the Los Angeles Chargers. Before becoming a coach, Wilhoite played for six seasons, spending five years with the San Francisco 49ers and a short time on their practice squad in 2011, finishing his playing career with the Seattle Seahawks in 2017.
Under Wilhoite’s guidance, the Broncos saw their first double-digit sackers in six years, with Jonathon Cooper recording 10.5 sacks and Nik Bonitto reaching 13.5 sacks.
Leave a Reply