Free agent defensive end Johnny Jolly has been cleared by his own doctors to return to NFL action.  Now the 31-year old must convince teams to give him an opportunity.

Jolly suffered a bulging disc in the C5 section of his cervical spine last December.

Jolly was a big factor in the Packers run defense during the first half of the defense, collecting 21 tackles and a sack in 13 games.  There’s still a chance he could play a role on the team as coach Mike McCarthy hasn’t closed the door on he or TE Jermichael Finley.

But the Packers have made plans to move on without Jolly if he’s not able to return.  They’ve drafted Khyri Thornton in the 3rd round, added Letroy Guion in free agency and re-signed nose tackle B.J. Raji.

This isn’t the first time that Johnny Jolly has had to try to fight the odds

Johnny Jolly

and make a comeback in the NFL, but it is the first time his health is an issue.

Jolly had surgery in early January to repair a bulging disc between the 5th and 6th cervical vertebrae.  The Green Bay Packers placed him on injured reserve late in the season.

According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Jolly has received permission from his surgeon this week to start doing cardio and light lifting.  Two weeks from now, Jolly will undergo an X-ray and MRI to determine whether he can step up his workouts and get closer to a return to football.

Packers safety Sean Richardson had a similar procedure done early last year and he eventually returned late last season, appearing in six games with the Packers.

Jolly is an unrestricted free agent, so there’s no guarantee even if he does return to the game, that it will be with the Packers.

At the moment, there’s no better story in the Green Bay Packers lockerrom than

Johnny Jolly (left) getting ready for Sunday

defensive lineman Johnny Jolly.

The 30-year-old was out of football for three years because of a drug suspension.  Three years away from the game would be career ending for most players.  But Jolly made it back.

His return didn’t come without some anxiousness.  Despite his ability to make plays throughout training camp, Jolly never thought he had wrapped up a spot.

Jolly was performing at a high level for the Packers prior to his suspension.  He was asked this week if he ever thought what if, what if he didn’t get mixed up with drugs? [Read more…]

The moment of truth is coming soon for Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Johnny

Johnny Jolly

Jolly.  The big defensive lineman has had a good camp, returning from a three-year absence from the game.  The question is, has Jolly done enough to make the 53-man roster?

Jolly has come a long way.  When he arrived in Green Bay, he looked like a player that had been away from the game for three years.  Making it all the way back would be a long haul.  But the Packers set the course, allowing Jolly to return slowly and work his way back into shape. [Read more…]

If you spend any time watching Johnny Jolly in Green Bay Packers training camp

Johnny Jolly (middle)

practice, you’ll see him bat down quarterback pass attempts at least 2 or 3 times a day.  It’s one of the things that Jolly does, and does well.

In the Packers 19-7 win over the Rams, Jolly deflected a pass that was picked off by Packers defensive back Jarrett Bush.

Jolly batted down 10 passes back in 2009, the last time Jolly played for the Packers and the skill is resurfacing in training camp.

AUDIO: Jolly on batting down so many passes :10

Jolly’s conditioning is improving and his performance on the field likely means a spot on the 53-man roster.  But Mike McCarthy said no jobs have been won yet and Jolly said he’s not about to even begin to think his work is done.

AUDIO: Jolly says complacency will not be an issue :18