Bengals Brandon Joiner Finally Released From Prison

You know the story of Brandon Joiner. We've talked about it several times throughout last year.

Following the 2012 NFL draft, the Cincinnati Bengals signed undrafted free agent linebacker Brandon Joiner out of Arkansas State. Joiner, who ran a 4.84 during his March 27, 2012 Pro Day, was named the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year in 2011, leading the league with 12 quarterback sacks. He also generated at least a partial sack in 10 of 12 games during his final collegiate season. Joiner was also named to the All-Sun Belt Conference First-Team, ranked second in the league with an average 1.29 tackles-for-loss per game.

On May 25, 2012, Joiner was sentenced to three years in prison after being indicted on two counts of aggravated robbery and felony drug possession. Joiner's lawyer said at the time of his client's conviction that he expects Joiner to be released on parole at some point late last year. Cincinnati, who were impressed enough with a dramatic character turn-around after the incident five years ago to sign him, announced that they were retaining his rights, meaning that when he's out and instated by the league office, Joiner is back in Cincinnati when his one-year contract would finally kick in.

He learned before Thanksgiving that he'd been paroled. Now he's out.

According to KDHNNews.com, Joiner was released from prison on Tuesday, serving nearly eight months at the Hutchins State Jail in Dallas.

"Man, it feels good just to be out here," he said.

"I spent all that time in there just thinking, away from family, just the little time you get. Right now, being outside, it’s amazing. It’s not even cold to me really,"