The tragic loss of practice-squad linebacker Jerry Brown Jr. sits heavy with the Dallas Cowboys. And also with Josh Brent, his longtime friend who was charged with intoxication manslaughter in the single-car crash that took Brown's life.
Brent, the Cowboys nose tackle, is out on bail, but potential jail time is only one side of the story. It's impossible to imagine what fills Brent's mind and heart today.
Somebody understands that.
Brent attended Tuesday's memorial service with the Brown family, according to Calvin Watkins on ESPNDallas.com. Earlier, Watkins reported that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told KRLD-FM that Brown's mother, Stacey Jackson, asked for Brent to ride with her to the memorial service.
Jones did not speak with reporters after attending the service, Wakins tweeted.
Brent and Brown were best friends, closer to brothers.
Reaction against Brent has been predictably fierce. The accident could have prevented, people argue -- and people are right. But now the Brown family -- and Brent -- are left to pick up the pieces. It cuts against the grain -- and it's instructive -- to see them do that together.
Follow Marc Sessler on Twitter @MarcSesslerNFL.
