Johnny Jolly reinstated to the NFL

[MadtownPacker]

So did he sign so I can have some sizzer?

[KYPack]

The time in the can has a big effect on guys.

Big Johnny was a load, big old country strong guy.

I'm with Red, he was great at throwing that big meat hand up & knockin' down balls.

Around here, the cops don't really even bust guys for that sizurp shit.

They just make 'em dump it out and if there is somebody to lug you home, they let 'em go.

[Guiness]

His contract situation is going to be interesting to be sure. He signed the tender, so it should be guaranteed - but this is hardly a normal situation. Does the suspension void the tender? If so, do the Packers have his rights at all? I doubt there's much in the CBA to cover this pretty unique situation, I suspect an arbitrator or 'special master' might have to rule.

Of course, JJ might be way more than happy to sign for the vet minimum for the chance to come to camp, and the rest will be irrelevant.

The league certainly did him wrong. IMO he received more punishment from them than he did from the legal system.

edit: I've seen a couple of places that his contract tolled, i.e. was paused. That would mean the tender would still be in effect. Do tendered RFAs who sign have a guaranteed contract? I imagine the Packers would kick about that.

[pbmax]

Reporters keep saying the contract "tolled". I now know they mean it has been carried over since he was ineligible to play, and that now that he is back he is still on that deal. A contractual time-out.

But I keep thinking they should say it HASN'T tolled.

Either way, get him to camp. He's 6' 3" according to ESPN Wisconsin. He'll dwarf some of the others. No one will be able to run screens on them.

[woodbuck27]

This about covers it:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1547294-green-bay-packers-why-the-packers-should-bring-back-johnny-jolly

Green Bay Packers: Why the Packers Should Bring Back Johnny Jolly

" Look at the current Packers defensive line. Ryan Pickett is in the twilight of his career and has been banged up over the past several seasons. B.J. Raji played better in 2012 after a lackluster performance the season before. 2012 second-round pick Jerel Worthy tore his ACL and his ability to contribute in 2013 is very much in doubt. Mike Neal finally showed some promise, but his injury history will hover over him until he can remain healthy for another full season.

Therefore, what do the Packers have to lose by at least bringing Jolly to training camp?

Having the Packers stand by Jolly could do wonders for his confidence as he continues to piece his life back together after his time in prison. Jolly was beginning to show promise before he was suspended and even though he just turned 30, there is still a chance for him to return to form."

GO PACK GO !

[Guiness]

This about covers it:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1547294-green-bay-packers-why-the-packers-should-bring-back-johnny-jolly

[/B]

I would like to see him in camp as well Woody, but about the time you start quoting BR to make a point, I don't know...

[Fritz]

I would like to see him in camp as well Woody, but about the time you start quoting BR to make a point, I don't know...

I'm guessing - or am I simply hoping? - that the Packers will retain his rights and be allowed to sign him to a minimum contract. If not, I would hope Jolly would realize that small-town Green Bay might be his best chance to stay clean and succeed, and would tear up the RFA and sign a minimum contract so he can come to camp with the Pack.

If he's in any kind of shape, I would jump all over this. Bring him in, man. Why not give him a test drive during mini camps and in training camp? What's the harm?

Supposedly he loved the team, and they supported him. What better place to try to re-establish your life?

[3irty1]

Jolly was truly kicked from the game in his prime but I see no reason his hustle and instincts won't allow him to pick the game back up at a high level. This could be a real blessing for the Pack IMO.

[Cheesehead Craig]

+1 on the bring him in. Hopefully the man can turn it around.

[woodbuck27]

I would like to see him in camp as well Woody, but about the time you start quoting BR to make a point, I don't know...

In this instance Bleacher Report hit it about right 'on all points' in regards to any decision regarding Johnny Jolly and the Green Bay Packers.

Secondly..... I'm wasn't attempting to make a point until now.

We know 'the Packers' have a need on the DL. We know that we are thinner there, and especially so with with the status of J. Worthy and the time it will take for him to return to 100%.

Packer fans are fervently on Johnny Jolly's side and want to see him return to the Packers for another chance in the NFL if he's ready for that challenge. See the poll attached to this news release.

As BR reports ....the best place for JJ to get it back in the NFL is likely Green Bay.

Can NFL.com or ESPN writers get it more accurate?

[swede]

In this instance Bleacher Report hit it about right 'on all points' in regards to any decision regarding Johnny Jolly and the Green Bay Packers.

Secondly..... I'm wasn't attempting to make a point until now.

We know 'the Packers' have a need on the DL. We know that we are thinner there, and especially so with with the status of J. Worthy and the time it will take for him to return to 100%.

Packer fans are fervently on Johnny Jolly's side and want to see him return to the Packers for another chance in the NFL if he's ready for that challenge. See the poll attached to this news release.

As BR reports ....the best place for JJ to get it back in the NFL is likely Green Bay.

Can NFL.com or ESPN writers get it more accurate?

I see the moon and tides are in the "Woodbuck making solid, succinct posts" phase.


Agree with all of it...except points off for the "I'm wasn't".

[smuggler]

Probably two years too late on the reinstatement. I'll never truly forgive Goodell for what he did to Jolly, however, I'm glad it's over and he can try to pick up the pieces on his career.

[MadScientist]

Probably two years too late on the reinstatement. I'll never truly forgive Goodell for what he did to Jolly, however, I'm glad it's over and he can try to pick up the pieces on his career.

The punishment was high for what Jolly did, but in this case Goodell's hands were more or less tied. Jolly kept testing positive or getting arrested for the same thing before he was scheduled for reinstatement. The penalty was initiated because of drugs, but dragged out because of colossal stupidity.

[JohnMexico]

Musings:

For a conservative a$$hole I am still a bleeding heart at heart, and I have always thought the biggest problem with Jolly was his inability to shake the bad influences of his old neighborhood. It was terribly counterproductive of the NFL to keep him away from his team and his only healthy support system.

The league might want to think about how they do things in terms of the welfare of the young men they exploit. Keeping players from playing the game and getting paychecks is pretty sufficient punishment, one would think. Shutting them out from team facilities might be overkill, especially in situations such as Jolly's.

I'd rather have Jolly over for dinner than Goodell. Goodell is an asshole. Can I set my keyboard to write"asshole" every time I input "Goodell"?

I think Jolly returning to the Pack is 20 for to 80 against. The window may have closed. But at least asshole can sit in his big leather chair and know that he did every thing he could to protect the good name of the league.

Beautiful post, especially the end. They are not looking out for guys like Jolly, especially considering their lack of concern for letting him spend time with his support system.

He was one of my favorite Packers.

[Joemailman]

It might be telling that there is no mention of Jolly's reinstatement at Packers.com. When Jolly was sentenced in 2011, TT's statement on the matter referred to Jolly in the past tense. It's quite possible the Packers have washed their hands of Johnny Jolly.