Dallas Cowboys DT Josh Brent retires from NFL for second time

Josh Brent, after attempting a comeback following his arrest for involuntary manslaughter, has retired from the NFL

Josh Brent, the embattled Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman who was involved in a fatal car crash that killed teammate Jerry Brown Jr. in 2012, has retired, according to CBS DFW. The team placed Brent, 27, on the reserve/retire list on Friday, less than a year after reactivating him from the reserve/suspended list.

This marks the second retirement for Brent, who previously left the game in 2013 due to the charges he faced stemming from the accident. “He’s going to retire from the NFL.” said Coach Jason Garrett at a Friday press conference. “He’s going to focus on life, rather than being a professional football player.”

In December of 2012, Brent while driving under the influence, was involved in a fatal accident on Texas State Highway 114 that left his friend and teammate Jerry Brown Jr. dead. In 2014, Brent was found guilty of intoxicated manslaughter and sentenced to 180 days in jail with 10 years of probation.

Brent announced his first retirement in 2013 to focus on his off-the-field issues, and after completing rehab, he was reinstated to the NFL with a 10-game suspension. The league had also mandated that Brent could be barred from the league due to any further legal troubles or alcohol-related conduct.

Brent was drafted by the Cowboys in the seventh round of the 201o supplemental draft after being ruled academically ineligible for his senior season. He registered 44 tackles, 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble during his brief career. Brent was used sparingly until starter Jay Ratliff’s injury allowed him the chance to start a few games during the 2012 season, where he emerged as a solid contributor before his off-the-field troubles stemming from the incident cut his career short.

Given Brent’s tragic history and the Cowboys’ recent additions of Greg Hardy, Randy Gregory, and La’el Collins, their decision making regarding player personnel has come under fire recently. Of course, Gregory’s marijuana charge and Collins’ apparent innocence in his ex-girlfriend’s murder case are in an entirely different category from Hardy’s domestic violence charges and Brent’s alcohol issues. However, it is apparent that Dallas is willing to take chances on players with questionable backgrounds.

The Cowboys and Jerry Jones have remained supportive of Brent throughout his ordeal, and Brent himself has reportedly worked on alcohol responsibility while coping with the emotional turmoil caused by the 2012 accident and subsequent death of Brown. Here’s hoping that Brent continues to get the help and emotional support he needs.

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