Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Josh Brent will retire "to focus on personal issues," according to multiple reports. Brent was already facing possible suspension from the NFL due to the December 2012 car crash that killed teammate Jerry Brown, and it was expected that he might be released by the Cowboys as soon as Thursday.
Cowboys’ Josh Brent announces retirement from NFL
The Dallas defensive lineman, awaiting trial for manslaughter, is officially retiring from football.
Instead, it appears he will retire on his own terms. Brent made this statement regarding his retirement, per Ian Rapoport on Twitter:
“This is the right decision for me, and something that I have given a lot of thought to.”
“I’m at a point where my main focus is about getting priorities in my life in order. Priorities more important than football.”
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Brent was the driver of the car in the accident that killed Brown, allegedly with a blood-alcohol content that was twice the legal limit. He has failed two drug tests since and is awaiting trial on intoxication manslaughter charges, with the next hearing scheduled for September.
A supplemental seventh-round draft choice by Dallas in 2010, Brent became a surprisingly productive player for the Cowboys, making five starts last season. But following the accident and death of Brown, Brent was placed on reserve/non-illness list for the rest of the season.
At this time, it appears that his football career is officially over.
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