A friend of former NFL wide receiver Sam Hurd has formally pleaded guilty to a cocaine possession charge in connection with allegations that Hurd tried to start a drug ring.

Toby Lujan (loo-HAHN') appeared in federal court in Dallas on Wednesday, almost a month after he took a deal with prosecutors. Lujan formally changed his plea to guilty before a federal judge.

Lujan's plea deal calls for a prison sentence of 5 to 40 years. It also requires his testimony if asked.

Hurd and Lujan were indicted in January. Hurd, who played for the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys, allegedly told an undercover officer he wanted to buy large amounts of cocaine and marijuana to distribute.

He is now being jailed after being accused of trying to buy more drugs while out on bond.