There had been some speculation that Green Bay Packers defensive end Johnny Jolly’s career might be in jeopardy. That doesn’t appear to be the case.
Jolly had a bulging disc in his neck and the injury first game to light in the Dallas game. Jolly was forced to sit the second half of that contest with what was initially deemed a shoulder injury. It was later discovered the problem was with Jolly’s neck. The injury cost him the final two weeks of the regular season and the playoff game.
Jolly had the dreaded spinal fusion surgery on January 10 to repair the disc. Not to worry, though. It’s the same procedure safety Sean Richardson had last year and he was able to play in 2013.
Jolly expects nothing less this year. The only question is, where will he be playing?
Like the other two starters on the defensive line, Jolly will be a free agent on March 11. It sounds as if the Packers are interested in re-signing him, but want to be cautious because of the injury.
“I talked to the Packers [last week] about Johnny at the combine, and they said they love him,” Jolly’s agent, Jack Bechta said. “They’re just in a wait-and-see mode.”
Jolly played the 2013 season on a one-year, $715,000 contract. We don’t expect the Packers to offer Jolly much more than that this year, primarily because he’s 31, but we do expect them to re-sign him.
The Packers need his fire and leadership. God knows no one else on this defense has those traits.
Besides, after all that Jolly has been through — the drugs, the arrests, prison, the suspension — it would seem pretty odd for him to play for a team other than the one who welcomed him back with open arms after he served his penance.
I would not expect another team to offer him more money considering his history and his most recent injury. I bet he gets just a minimum deal if/when he heals.
Assuming of course they don’t get other free agents in…..hahahahahahahahahahaha.
I for sure what him back, the man played HARD when he was on the field
He played very good. Id say give him a bit of a raise to about 750K. IMO. Hell of a Cinderella story with this guy
His play diminished after the Cleveland game (game #7).
Up until then, he had been averaging one tackle per game.
So you could make a strong case that his play was lack-luster before it fell off the face of the earth, midway through the season.
Considering his injury, age, and penchant for fitness… we should thank him for his efforts and wish him well in future endeavors.
No way no how. I predict Jolly comes back in the best shape of his life and has his biggest season to date. The players love him. The coaches love him. Unless it is medically related there is zero chance that he doesn’t return to GB again this year.
duhhhhhhhhhhh
Stats Mo’Fucker! All that matters!
There is a premium of at least 100k for his name.
The Pack should bring him back. He brought some intangibles to the D which were sorely lacking at times this ’13 season.
Until that dynamic changes, he’s an asset.
This just in—Nick Collins expects to play in 2014 as well.
Jolly, at best, will get signed to a minimum contract and start the season on PUP. Very serious surgery that takes time. Finley? hoping that another team takes the risk and spends the $$$.