Johnny Manziel, formerly ‘Money’ Manziel, out of Texas A&M touts an above-average college career, headlined by his 2012 Heisman Trophy victory.
After waving off his junior season of collegiate football, Manziel entered the 2014 NFL Draft. He was questionably selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 22nd pick of the first round, and criticism of his game would appear to increase from that point on.
He was widely regarded as immature off the field and some didn’t think he would be able to overcome that and make the transition to the NFL.
Even a teammate of Johnny’s on the Browns, who gave his statement anonymously, stated that his 2014 season was an “100 per cent joke.” Manziel hardly got off the bench and played a total of seven quarters in that season, finishing the season with 18 of 35 passes completed with two interceptions.
After mustering up a disastrous rookie season for the Browns, he hoped that his sophomore season would be different.
The Browns had faith in Manziel, trusting that he would improve.
Inevitably, that trust and faith would be misguided as Manziel continued his nightlife shenanigans. He eventually seemed more dedicated to his life outside of football, rather than his career on the field.
Manziel may have not been drafted with the intention of leading the franchise to an above .500 record, however the quarterback position was not set in stone so he had the chance to be the main man.
Manziel was given several opportunities to prove he could be the one for the Browns, and the franchise quarterback for the future that the franchise so desperately needs. Following a temporary injury to fellow quarterback Josh McCown, Manziel was declared the indefinite starter and given that supreme opportunity to convince his team and the rest of the NFL of his worth.
However, instead of making use of the valuable chance he was given, Manziel was demoted back to third string after videos arose of him partying during a bye week. Manziel was given the torch by the Browns, but he preferred to drop it rather than run with it.
No mistake should be made in suggesting that Manziel is a bad quarterback. He is a terrific athlete, great on the run and has a capable arm to go along with his large hands. The situation just boiled down to the Browns being an under the radar team, and Manziel not being an under the radar player.
Cleveland tried to distort and transform him into the kind of player they wanted him to be. The type of player who would rather sit at home and study plays or analyze the playbook, rather than go partying in Vegas as he did this past Saturday. Nonetheless, there is a team that fits Manziel’s personality – the Dallas Cowboys.
In retrospect, this may turn out to be a disaster. Dallas headed by their owner, president, and general manager Jerry Jones, who is a known fan of Manziel, is not one to cower to the spotlight. Neither is Manziel.
He was getting months of media coverage before he was even in the league and didn’t mind the continuous attention.
Going to Dallas would definitely would put all eyes on Manziel and the Cowboys, but he would be able to handle the adversity – the young quarterback even expressed interest in the organisation.
The Cowboys have a hole at the quarterback position with Romo’s constant injuries, leaving Kellen Moore to lead the charge in times of need. Tony Romo missed 12 games of this past regular season and he’s certainly won’t be getting any younger or durable. ‘Money’ Manziel has potential and upside, he just requires the correct environment to grow.
By no means does the change of scenery to ‘America’s Team’ automatically signify that Manziel will change his ways, but the quarterback desires to go there.
Being in a comfortable situation with a GM who will suit his needs could be just what the 23-year-old needs in his development to recapture his so far failing NFL career.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
JFF was doomed in Cleveland the moment they introduced designed runs for him. Obviously his coaches never saw him play a college game Not sure he'll go to Dallas. They would want a second starter behind Romo. Buffalo would be his best fit
bear54
Johnny Football going to "Jerryworld" is a possibility and it could help the Cowboys. They have a great O-line who could make Johnny effective throwing and running the ball. The problem is Tony Romo probably has a couple of decent (injury free????) seasons left so can Manziel sit and learn without getting into too much trouble? Alternatively he could go to Houston and be an upgrade on Brian Hoyer. Having said that Joe Montana at age 59 in a Texans uniform would be an improvement on Hoyer!!! It will be a steep curve for Johnny but I think that's what he needs. Someone to throw a lot of responsibility at him and see if he can meet the challenge or fold. The slow and soft approach didn't work in Cleveland so Bill O'Brien should tie the playbook to his legs, throw him on stage and see if Johnny can dance!! Johnny definitely won't stay in Cleveland because I reckon Jackson will bring AJ McCarron with him from the Bengals.
Taylor Odenat
Roar Rookie
Johnny in LA would be interesting with his partying, and in front of the camera personality; however, Jerry Jones would have his back in Dallas and he have chances to start with Romo always injured. I wouldn't see Chip Kelly enjoying either of their take off and run mentalities, just as Michael Vick wasn't his starter after a while preferring to use pocket-passer Nick Foles.
Taylor Odenat
Roar Rookie
RGIII would be a good option if he doesn't get snagged by the Cowboys first
AZ_RBB
Guest
Wrong type of football haha! Will be very interesting to see who will pick up the two former Heisman winners, Manziel and RGIII. I would like to see Manziel go to LA with the Rams and RGIII to the Texans who are in desperate need of anything that resembles a QB. I know Cowboys and 49ers need some depth in their QB ranks as well. But I'm not sure about Manziel in Dallas. Don't see Chip Kelly liking either player.
Luke Sicari
Roar Guru
As a Browns fan, it's safe to say Manziel's days in Cleveland are numbered, which is a shame in a way. I believe this season he truly showed he can be an effective QB, solid games against teams like the Niners and Titans and then he showed his potential as a running QB against the Chiefs. Although, his off-field problems are simply too much to handle, especially on a team like the Browns, where we are trying to change the culture into a positive one built around winning. McCown played very solid this season but I still want another QB. Wouldn't want to use pick 2 on Lynch or Goff though, both too much of a risk to use a second pick on them. Would rather go out and try and get RG3.
Pat malone
Guest
That's a lomg bow - a team with a big personality being a good fit for a show pony
Paul
Guest
This article should not be tagged football.