Denver Broncos linebackers coach Michael Wilhoite was arrested over the weekend on suspicion of second-degree assault of a police officer, and new details about the incident have since emerged.
Wilhoite was taken into custody on Sunday and booked into the downtown Denver jail following an altercation at Denver International Airport. According to TMZ, the incident began when Wilhoite allegedly left his 2021 Ford Bronco unattended in the East arrivals area of the airport.
A Denver police officer, who was working a curb assignment at the time, noticed the vehicle and informed Wilhoite that it could not be left unattended. In response, Wilhoite allegedly became confrontational, telling the officer to “shut the f— up” twice.
The situation quickly escalated when Wilhoite allegedly bumped his chest into the officer. The officer then shoved Wilhoite in response, at which point Wilhoite reportedly struck the officer with a closed fist, knocking him to the ground.
According to the officer, he attempted to subdue Wilhoite with a Taser while the coach was trying to get back into his vehicle. However, once the effects of the Taser wore off, Wilhoite allegedly managed to get into his SUV and drive away. The officer reported suffering injuries to his jaw, knees, and possibly his wrist as a result of the confrontation.
Wilhoite, 38, joined the Broncos as outside linebackers coach in 2023 when head coach Sean Payton was hired. He had previously worked under Payton with the New Orleans Saints as a special teams and defensive assistant before spending two seasons as the Los Angeles Chargers’ linebackers coach.
Before transitioning into coaching, Wilhoite played in the NFL as a linebacker from 2011 to 2017. His football career began in the United Football League with the Omaha Nighthawks after going undrafted out of Washburn University. He later signed with the San Francisco 49ers, where he spent the majority of his career, before finishing his playing days with the Seattle Seahawks in 2017. Over six-plus seasons, Wilhoite started 45 games and recorded 298 total tackles.
With his arrest now public, the Broncos organization faces uncertainty regarding Wilhoite’s future with the team. While the team has yet to make an official decision, the troubling nature of the allegations raises questions about his role moving forward. As the Broncos prepare for the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine and offseason roster moves, Wilhoite’s legal troubles will likely remain a key storyline for the franchise.
