Johnny

Jolly

The Texas A&M product earned all Big-12 honors twice and is known for pushing the pocket.

Jolly has been arrested three times in the past four years for possession of the codeine drink “Sizzurp.” He recently described codeine as his “only friend” because it kept him numb. Suspended during last year’s Super Bowl run, Jolly explained, “I didn’t want to be around anyone. I didn’t want to answer no questions. And so I stayed in the room, just drunk, and watched.” The 28-year-old’s football career is over.

The judge gave Jolly “shock probation,” granted when a convict is released early after experiencing a wake-up call from the shock of prison. Jolly will remain on probation for 10 years after being arrested four times for illegal possession of codeine. He has been suspended indefinitely from the NFL.

Jolly has been in jail for just six months following his conviction on drug possession charges, but has applied for “shock probation.” Shock probation allows first-time offenders to be released after experiencing the “trauma of being in jail.” Already 29 and indefinitely suspended, it’s doubtful Jolly will ever appear in another NFL game even if he earns his freedom.

Jolly was released from prison in May after serving just six months of a six-year sentence on drug charges. “I know that the NFL doesn’t need me,” Jolly said. “I need it way more than it needs me.” Jolly says he’s in “pretty good shape,” but turned 29 in prison and hasn’t appeared in a game since 2009. He’s facing tough odds of ever getting back on the field.

Jolly is serving an indefinite suspension as he had three drug possession charges against him before this weekend. He has now been charged with possession of a narcotic compound containing codeine and other substances, a felony. Jolly’s NFL career is in jeopardy and he may be looking at jail time.

Jolly completed a drug treatment program Wednesday, the final step as he attempts an NFL comeback. He hasn’t played since 2009, when he was 16-game starter who proceeded to get caught up in multiple drug arrests. Now 30, Jolly will not be guaranteed a roster spot after being out the league for three seasons.

Jolly is less than a week removed from his court-ordered drug-rehab program, and coach Mike McCarthy said he’s “continuing to work through the process of returning to the team.” Jolly, 30, hasn’t played a snap in three years and is now the second-oldest member of the Packers’ defensive line. He faces an uphill battle to earn a role.

It’s Jolly’s first practice since drug woes crippled him following the 2009 season. He has gotten his life together and that makes for a feel-good story, but he’s 30 now and reportedly looked a little overweight. He weighed in at 340 pounds. Jolly isn’t a great bet to stick on the final roster.

Jolly was serving an indefinite suspension for repeated violations of the league’s substance-abuse policy. He got out of jail last May after serving six months of a six-year sentence on drug charges, and first applied for reinstatement in June. The Packers still own Jolly’s rights, but are likely to renounce them. Jolly hasn’t played a down of football since 2009.