Johnny Manziel opens up about getting another chance at pro football
Johnny Manziel is returning to the professional gridiron once again. The former Heisman Trophy winner dazzled the sports world during his tenure at Texas A&M and was a first-round pick of the Cleveland Browns in 2014. His NFL career lasted only two years due to issues with mental health and substance abuse he’s spoken openly about in recent years.
The former SEC superstar has committed to a second season of a professional league known as Fan Controlled Football, which kicks off in just a few weeks.
The league, which plays a 7-on-7 format in an Atlanta indoor facility, is scheduled to resume games April 16. It incorporates fan engagement in a blend of traditional and esports environments and is broadcast primarily on Twitch.
Johnny Manziel told ESPN that his formal football career “in my eyes is over” but that the FCF is something “I wanted to do for fun.” He has previous friendships with a number of the league’s celebrity owners, including comedian/podcaster Bob Menery and rapper Quavo.
Last season, it was clear one of the most electrifying college football players in the last two decades still has the ability to command the field, while showcasing his speed and unique skillset. Manziel participated in several games of the FCF’s inaugural season playing for the Zappers.
The Aggies’ legend gave an honest assessment of where his mindset is when it comes to the game he’s been associated with his entire life. He believes this is the perfect opportunity to play without pressure and have fun again, while also tackling other aspects of leading and running a professional team.
“This is a way to go out and compete and have fun on a way smaller scale,” Johnny Manziel said. “I don’t have the drive to play football at a high level anymore. I don’t have a drive to be the best football player anymore that I used to have in my life, and I’m OK with that. I’ve come to terms with what my football career was, and what it is, and now I’m trying to figure out how I can stay entangled in the game, but from a different position.
“[FCF] is not trying to build this on my back and make me be the main focus point. I feel like I’m simply there to help bring a little bit of magic and a little bit of entertainment, but on a way different scale than the past,” Johnny Manziel reiterated. It has given me an opportunity to coach some of these younger guys, a chance to get around the business side, a chance to have ownership in a football league and still be around the game in some sort.”