Johnny Manziel jabs Mississippi State fans, Davis Wade Stadium from playing days: 'You could hear a pin drop in that place'

Johnny Manziel has been out of college football for more than a decade, but that doesn’t stop the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner from reliving his glory days running roughshod across the SEC. That includes the occasional dig poking fun at opposing SEC fanbases.

The former Texas A&M quarterback did both during a Thursday appearance on the Mostly Sports with Mark Titus and Brandon Walker podcast. There, Manziel jabbed co-host and noted Mississippi State fan Brandon Walker while harkening back to his experience inside an eerily quiet Davis Wade Stadium back in 2012.

“One question I have for you, B-Walk, how are your Bulldogs going to look this year?” Manziel asked with a wry smile.

Walker countered by suggesting Mississippi State will be “better” in Year 2 under head coach Jeff Lebby, and added Texas A&M holds a 7-6 record over the Bulldogs since the Aggies joined the SEC in 2012. That year, Manziel walked into the usually ear-splitting Davis Wade Stadium and walked out with a 38-13 road win in Starkville.

“I just remember walking into Starkville and hearing a lot of cowbells, and then by about halftime, you could hear a pin drop in that place,” Manziel said with a laugh.

Mississippi State fans are known to fill Davis Wade Stadium with the headache-inducing ringing of cowbells, a tradition that dates back to the 1930s and ’40s. Of course, when games get out of hand for the home team, that auditory ringing tends to fade as more and more Hail State fans hit the exits.

Manziel was personally undefeated against Mississippi State in his two seasons as Texas A&M’s starting quarterback, outscoring the Bulldogs by a combined score of 89-54. But it was the scene inside an unusually silent Davis Wade Stadium that left an imprint on his memory.

Johnny Manziel ‘expecting better things’ from Texas A&M, Mike Elko in 2025

Johnny Manziel might not suit up on Saturdays anymore, but he’ll always be an Aggie. During an appearance on Mostly Sports with Mark Titus & Brandon Walker, the legendary Texas A&M quarterback discussed his involvement with the program and his expectations for the Aggies this year.

“I had a good conversation with Marcel Reed this week,” Manziel said. “I’ve been watching some practice film and stuff, trying to give him some pointers that I think could help him out. But, [I’m] excited for [head coach Mike] Elko, the vibe he brings, what he means to the program. He embraces the Aggie Spirit.

“So, expecting better things. I say this every single year, but I feel confident with where we are. We really have some players. He’s done a good job recruiting. So, you know, I’m hoping for the best.”

If Reed can play nearly as well as Manziel did during his time at Texas A&M, the Aggies are in for an exciting year. Manziel amassed 7,820 passing yards and 63 touchdowns during his two seasons as Texas A&M’s full-time starter.

— On3’s Grant Grubbs contributed to this report.