Agent: Johnny Jolly appreciates second chance with Packers

Green Bay Packers defensive end Johnny Jolly has conquered more serious things than surviving the tension and scrutiny that defines the final major NFL roster cutdown.

Jolly made the Packers' roster today after missing the previous three seasons due to an NFL suspension for violating the NFL substance-abuse policy, punishment stemming from his legal problems connected to arrests for codeine abuse while also serving time in prison.

Now, the 30-year-old is back in the NFL after being reinstated to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. And Jolly couldn't be happier about the situation, according to his agent Jack Bechta.

At this time, though, Jolly prefers to maintain a low-key approach to his roster status and the success he's enjoying on and off the field.

"There has been lots of request for Johnny Jolly interviews today and throughout the summer," said Bechta, a founder of National Football Post. "However, Johhny doesn't want any special attention and knows he still has a long ways to go. Making the team was just one metaphoric step for Johnny. Everytime I speak with Johhny about football, I make sure that 60 percent of the conversation is about living a healthy and prosperous life and football will come and go faster than he realizes.

"He gets that now and knows its a privilege and treats the opportunity with great appreciation. He's been humble, upbeat and very proud of his sobriety and overcoming his addiction. He's knows he still has to earn the trust of everyone who is invested in him and is going to do that on and off the field everyday. But for now he would like to stay out of the spotlight and earn his way back in it."

NOTE: The Packers released fullback Jonathan Amosa, offensive tackle Andrew Datko, safety David Fulton, center Garth Gerhart, running back Alex Green, offensive tackle Kevin Hughes, wide receiver Charles Johnson, center Patrick Lewis, linebacker Terrell Manning, cornerback Loyce Means, defensive tackle Jordan Miller, linebakcer Dezman Moses, tight end Matthew Mulligan, cornerback James Nixon, safety Chaz Powell, linebacker Donte Savage, cornerback Brandon Smith, tight Jake Stoneburner, wide receivers Tyrone Walker and Myles White, tight end D.J. Williams and quarterback Vince Young.

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Aaron Wilson covers the Ravens for The Baltimore Sun.

Aaron Wilson
Aaron Wilson covers the NFL for National Football Post, his second stint at the Post. He has previously written for Pro Football Talk and FOX Sports-Scout. Entering his 13th year covering the Baltimore Ravens, he's a beat writer for The Baltimore Sun. Wilson has also covered the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans.

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