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.
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