Don’t Call it a Comeback for Johnny Manziel

Johnny Manziel is finished. Well, maybe I better rephrase that. Johnny FOOTBALL is finished.

The 2012 Heisman Trophy winner will forever be a Texas A&M legend for his accomplishments on the field in an unreal college career. Who can forget his incredible performance in an upset win over the dominant Alabama Crimson Tide?

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Unfortunately, things never panned out at the NFL level for Manziel after being drafted in the first round at No. 22 overall by the Cleveland Browns. In an interview with ESPN’s SEC Network during the Texas A&M spring game on Saturday, Manziel admitted to the world that “football is in the rearview mirror for me.”

"Football is in the rearview mirror for me."

Johnny Manziel, notable former A&M player. pic.twitter.com/Jhfi6POzS7

— Connor O'Gara (@cjogara) April 24, 2021

After taking the entire country by storm with his video game-like numbers and highlights as quarterback of the Aggies, Manziel’s flamboyant lifestyle caught up with him. Alcohol and substance abuse were major concerns as Manziel’s NFL career shriveled up in a hurry. He started only eight games over two seasons for the Browns before being cast out of the league for good.

After seemingly getting his personal health straightened out, Manziel resurfaced in the CFL. He played 11 games with the Montreal Alouettes in the 2018 season.

Johnny Manziel is in at QB for the Memphis Express. His first completion in @TheAAF went for 36 yards.pic.twitter.com/czB8TSjGIU

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 25, 2019

Johnny Manziel also had a moment in the now-defunct Alliance of American Football. He quarterbacked the Memphis Express to a comeback win in his first appearance, just one week after signing with the team. When the AAF folded, so too did the final chapter of Manziel’s football career.

Or did it? Johnny Football also took part in the Fan Controlled Football League this spring. He played for the FCF Zappers and apparently had fans calling plays for him to run. Seriously, did anyone really pay attention to that horrible gimmick? Just go play Madden if you want to call plays!

Johnny Manziel to Christine Michael for the first TD of the Legends Game. The celebration was even more impressive pic.twitter.com/Qr2k1CcYGq

— Mike Lucas (@KAGS_Lucas) April 24, 2021

What comes next for 28-year-old Johnny Manziel is anyone’s guess. Will he stay involved with the game of football at all? If he does, one has to assume it would be in College Station with his alma mater. He was arguably the star attraction at the Aggies’ Legends Game on Saturday.

In a lot of ways, the story of Johnny Football is a tragic one. So much potential was ultimately squandered. Nonetheless, his name will not soon be forgotten, especially among fans of the college game.

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