Dallas Cowboys’ Josh Brent Active for the First Time since Tragedy

By Cheri Cheng - 05 Dec '14 09:20AM

On Thursday Night Football, Dallas Cowboy's Josh Brent became active for the first time in the NFL since his tragic car accident.

"Everyone found out when I did," said Brent reported by USA TODAY Sports. "Whether or not other people turn the page, that's not up to me to decide. I will always remember. That's my best friend, and I'll never forget him. (But) I've been blessed to be put back into this position, and I want to take advantage of it."

Two years ago, the Cowboys' defensive tackle was involved in a car wreck that killed his friend and Cowboys teammate, practice squad member, Jerry Brown. Brent, 26, was convicted of intoxication manslaughter and went to prison for six months. He was also sentenced to 10 years of probation and required to go to rehab.

In 2013, Brent temporarily retired but later decided to file for reinstatement. At the start of this season, the NFL conditionally approved his reinstatement. The terms stated that Brent would not be eligible to play until at least week 11. During the weeks of his suspension, Brent continued to practice with the Cowboys.

"I'm taking this one day at a time, and today was a good day," Brent said in regards to Thursday night's game. "It felt normal, it felt like where I was supposed to be. I think I got into the groove of things pretty quickly."

In his return against the Chicago Bears, he contributed to the Cowboys' 41-28 win with two tackles from the defensive line.

"It was definitely an experience,'' Brent said reported by SportsDay DFW, powered by The Dallas Morning News. "Really, I didn't think about it too much. I just went in there and played. I tried not to focus too much on everything outside of it as far as it being my first game back and everything else. I just tried to focus on the task at hand.''

Brent has played 39 games for the Cowboys from 2010 to 2012. He has made five starts, and recorded 44 total tackles with 1.5 sacks.

He will be taking defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence's spot on the active roster. Lawrence was placed on the inactive list after he re-aggravated a rib injury during practice.