This comes to us as a somewhat unexpected development, although maybe it shouldn’t have.
Johnny Jolly has applied for reinstatement to the NFL and wants to return to the Green Bay Packers. The defensive lineman is coming off a six-month jail stint and an indefinite suspension handed down by the league, both of which were the result of a codeine addiction and two arrests that followed.
Jolly says he’s been sober for eight months.
“I think [the Packers] would [want me back],” he said. “I am dedicated to really make a change in my life and come back and be a positive role model. I think I have a great shot at going back to those guys. They’re a great organization. The coaches are very good, the players are good. I know they have supported me 100 percent.
“I want to say that would be a dream come true, but I made it in the NFL before. So, I would say it would be like another dream. It would be a journey and going back to do the things I love and showing everybody you can make mistakes but it’s the way you correct the things you’ve done wrong. I want to make the Packers look good if they want to take me back or not.
“I’m at eight months (sober) right now. I feel real good. I haven’t had any substances in my body and I can feel the difference. My body feels straight. I’m focused on staying this way and getting my life back on track.”
The Packers own Jolly’s rights, so if he’s reinstated they would have the opportunity to retain his services. If they relinquish his rights, he could sign with anyone.
While their offseason moves — signing Anthony Hargrove, drafting Jerel Worthy and Mike Daniels — suggest the Packers weren’t counting on Jolly playing again, it seems like a given they’d give him another chance if he’s reinstated.
Jolly knows the system and played some of his best football in 2009, his last season in the league. The Packers defensive line was a weakness last season and the addition of a motivated Jolly certainly couldn’t hurt.
Plus, he seems to be in relatively good shape — he worked out while in jail and has been working out twice a day since his release. Jolly says he’s only seven pounds over his playing weight, which is something training camp will take care of.
Before we put Jolly back in a Packers uniform, he’ll need to get clearance from the dictator himself, Roger Goodell. However, it doesn’t seem like the Packers have anything to lose by bringing him back if give the chance.
No brainier, bring him back increase the competition, Hargrove is out 8 weeks so why not, when playing he was a beast.
Rotating Hargrove and Jolly Between suspensions and jail sentences (maybe even get Walden in on the mix) doesn’t seem like a bad idea.
If Goodell can bring back a dog fighter and numerous others Jolly deserves a chance
Everyone should expect the Packers to give Jolly another chance, however Goodell is different.
As we all know, Goodell likes to play favorites, so don’t get your hopes up just yet.
Hell if he’s clean I say give him a chance. Think of the rotation we could have in the D line. Cutler will need a truckload of tampons for his aching mangina…
dare to dream, Kozak, dare to dream…..
Hell, if you ask me a varmint ain’t nuthin’ but a varmint. But a crook like Jolly…commingling with mongrels, betrayin’ his own. Well sir, I reckon I calls ’em as I sees ’em. And I am calling his hand dealt.
in English now please
If, and it’s a big if, God-dell clears him to play, it should be made conditional on him having to live in Green Bay full time.
I can’t imagine too many bangers hanging at the corners slinging Purp in Titletown.
Maybe not, but with the track Sheboygan has been on lately he just has to head an hour south to get what he needs, aha.
move in with the picketts… no sin in that household.
I dotn see the big dealio with slangin some purple drank if it aint hurtin the kidz or team. you feel me dog? this was a case the cops hatin on a young G coming up wit nuthin yo.. Feel me, like, why you gots to run round promotins your police department when real crime is sO high in the HoUstOn Suburbs. I just dont gets it. We need to go heads and legalize this so this aint no problem anymore. whats ya’ll say?!?
I have been a Jolly supporter ever since his problems cropped up. I’m exceedingly happy with the idea that he might play again. This could be an amazing story of someone that had his dream, lost his way, and found the light. Vick always seemed a little fuzzy, but Jolly appears much more tangible and real. I will be one of the first to buy his jersey if he gets reinstated with the team.
Horrible idea.
Once an addict, always an addict, he’ll be back in trouble shortly.
Feel me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me.
And you DON’T get better at football in PRISON.
Iltarion you are a ass hole you will be watchin Johnny jolly on Sunday .