Former Cowboys defensive tackle Josh Brent is hoping to resume his NFL career, and he has the blessing of the family of the man he killed.
“But I do believe he is a much mature and aware individual. He’ll be a better player and person. He’ll be playing with a sense of purpose for Jerry’s family, and people will see he deserves a second chance.”
Brent, who was sentenced to 180 days in jail, also had to spend nearly 45 days at the Enter Health Facility in Texas.
Brent now needs Goodell to allow him to return, as well as the Cowboys. There is no timetable for a decision from Goodell, but Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has consistently supported Brent. If the 26-year-old is reinstated, Jones said he would seriously consider bringing him back to the team.
“He has played at a level before that would help us, yes, and obviously we’re trying to build this defensive line,” Jones said Wednesday. “I know that one thing for sure, he is contrite, and I know he feels one of the best ways to pay his debt to what he feels to the family is to do what he does the best and that is be a football player. He’s got it to do, but talking with him, there is a lot of resolve there.”
Jones hopes Brent’s second chance could serve as inspiration for others.
“I think that the pluses are that he’s had an experience and been through something that will make or break his life,” Jones said. “There’s a whole bunch of where he goes from here relative to what he’s been through. He can be a great example. There’s no place like the NFL to rehab your credibility or show that you are contrite.
“It’s a great opportunity for him under the circumstances to have made the mistake that he made to do some real good, help a lot of people and basically leave a better taste in people’s mouths about Josh Brent.”