Johnny Jolly Returns to the NFL After a 3 Year Absence

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Johnny Jolly's comeback attempt officially is underway.

Jolly saw his NFL career gutted by drug use that led to an indefinite suspension and prison time. The Green Bay Packers kept their faith in Jolly and now are giving the defensive tackle an opportunity to regain his roster spot following a three-year layoff.

"I feel great. It's a blessing to have a second chance," he said Tuesday, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, after arriving at Packers minicamp. "I take my hat off to the Packers. That showed a lot, them accepting me after everything I had been through."

Packers coach Mike McCarthy gave an honest answer when asked how difficult it will be for Jolly to make it back. He hasn't played a snap since the 2009 season. "Well, we're going to find out. If an individual can do it, I believe Johnny Jolly is that man," McCarthy said, via ESPN's Jason Wilde. "He has the toughness, the drive, the passion. I don't know offhand how many players are in our locker room that were teammates with Johnny.

"He's definitely someone that you know can do it," McCarthy went on. "But this is more of a question about life and second chances. We feel that he's gone through the necessary rehabilitation and training to get to this spot. I'm excited to give him this opportunity."

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"The thing I've always appreciated about Johnny," McCarthy said, "and don't get me wrong because he's obviously a good football player, he was a starter for us and had his best year here his last year. But I always loved his toughness and passion.

He has that 'it' when it comes to being a good teammate. "He was respected in the locker room. He is different than most guys. Comes from a tough background and a tough upbringing, but you always knew where you stood with Johnny. I like direct people. I like the personality where there is no BS and you know where you stand. I always felt that he was an element that fit into our locker room and our culture. There are a lot of good people and good fits that don't fit in certain places. But he was good for us.

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