The Tragedy of Johnny Football

When Johnny Manziel entered Texas A&M he was not the popular quarterback who made unimaginable plays and broke records. He was just another recruit from Texas. 

He made his mark When he beat out Jameill Showers for the starting job. He became the first freshman to win the Heisman trophy, and became the legendary Johnny Football. In 2013 Manziel was suspended for the first half of the first game. 

Then he went on to break a school passing record throwing for 464 yards with 5 touchdowns. Not only did he break a record, but he broke it against the number one team Alabama. He tied his record again against Mississippi State with 5 touchdowns. 

He did not win the Heisman again but he would come in 5th place in the voting.    

Manziel was drafted 22nd in the 2014 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. Everyone who knew the player that Manziel was, were excited to see what he can do in the league. 

During his rookie preseason Manziel was fined $12,000 dollars for flipping the bird during a game. All though it was one mistake at the time it would be just the beginning of all the off field antics that would come in the near future.

 During his time in the NFL Manziel threw for 7 touchdowns with 7 interceptions, and just one rushing touchdown over 15 games.  In the 2015 season Manziel suffered a concussion during the final game. He was seen partying in Vegas instead of being with the team that weekend. 

He was later released in February of 2016 after an investigation for an assault charge. He went from being the legendary Johnny Football to a regular guy without a job in the time span of 4 years. 

Although times seemed dark, Manziel managed to get sober and spent a year trying to play in the CFL. He was signed by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats but was later released. He was picked up by the Montreal Alouettes and did not play to expectations. He was released because he did not follow the agreement that was made between him and the CFL. 

He had a brief stint in the AAFplaying for the Memphis Express where he did a below average job.  Right now it seems that Johnny Football will ever take an NFL snap again. According to Fanbuzz, “I don’t know a football team really needs or wants Johnny Manziel” 

Student Rey Soto says, “ Johnny Manziel was a waste of talent.” Right now Manziel is focusing on mental health and is starting a career in insurance. But who knows maybe one day we’ll get to see the legendary Johnny Football back in an NFL uniform.