Dallas ? Former Dallas Cowboys lineman Nate Newton was sentenced Wednesday to 30 months in prison after being caught with 175 pounds of marijuana in December.

Newton, who faces similar charges in Louisiana, pleaded guilty in April to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana. He could have faced up to 20 years and a $1 million fine.

Newton, 40, has served more than eight months in a detention center in the Dallas suburb of Seagoville since his Dec. 12 arrest. He was released Wednesday but must report to prison Oct. 8.

“I know I’ve done wrong, and I know there’s a price to be paid,” he said. “I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get back into the community.”

Authorities arrested Newton in Ellis County after they found $10,000 in his red pickup as well as 175 pounds of marijuana in the trunk of an accompanying Monte Carlo driven by Charles Deaundra Howard, 25, of Garland. The marijuana was worth an estimated $700,000.

Howard and another suspect, Billy Crenshaw, have pleaded guilty.

At time of his arrest, Newton was free on bail from a Louisiana drug bust. He had been arrested Nov. 4, accused of driving a van loaded with 213 pounds of marijuana. That case is pending.

Newton was a six-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman who helped Dallas win three Super Bowls. He spent 14 seasons in the NFL, 13 with Dallas.