Johnny Manziel’s journey through the NFL was a rollercoaster ride that captured the attention of football fans and media alike. The young quarterback burst onto the scene with a reputation that promised greatness, but his career ultimately became a tale of missed opportunities and personal struggles.
In 2014, the Cleveland Browns selected Manziel in the first round of the NFL draft. Manziel is likened to a potential savior for the city of Cleveland, a sports town longing for a hero. This early declaration of greatness foreshadowed the immense expectations that Manziel would face, setting the stage for both his triumphs and tribulations. He said:
“I no longer have the motivation to play football at a high level. I’m fine with the fact that I no longer have the same passion for football as I once did. I’m trying to find out how to continue to be involved in the game, but from a different position.”
Contents
What is Johnny Manziel doing now?
The Netflix docuseries has left Johnny’s life with a sense of open-mindedness, a chapter still unfolding. The ex-football prodigy candidly shared that a rift persists between him and his family, a chasm that time has yet to mend.
As per a snippet from USA Today, the present day finds Manziel immersed in rounds of golf, the rumored launch of “Johnny Manziel’s Money Bar,” a sports bar slated to make its grand entrance in the autumn of 2023. An experience that echoes his sports-centric journey, this establishment could potentially mark a fresh chapter in his story.
The former athlete is working on prioritizing his mental health aside from the business venture.
“I think there’s a lot of things that I have to do just from a mental health standpoint,” he conveyed to USA Today. “They get me out of bed in the morning to make sure I’m staying on myself,” Manziel said. “I don’t ever want to go back to being in a place of where I was maybe six, seven years ago after my time in Cleveland was up.”
Why is Johnny Manziel so recognized?
Before his NFL debut, Manziel’s collegiate journey was equally electrifying. After a redshirt year at Texas A&M in 2011, he exploded onto the national scene the following year, earning the moniker “Johnny Football.”
The 2012 season witnessed his meteoric rise, marked by an astounding 43-touchdown performance that showcased his dual-threat capabilities—this spectacular season culminated in his winning the prestigious Heisman Trophy, solidifying his place as one of the most exciting and dynamic players in college football history.
The transition to the NFL, however, proved to be a far more challenging endeavor. Despite his remarkable college achievements, Manziel struggled to translate his skills to the professional level. His on-field performance paled in comparison to the expectations set forth by his collegiate success.
Manziel’s passing yards totaled a mere 1,675 in his NFL tenure, accompanied by seven touchdowns and seven interceptions. The gap between his potential and his actual output was a frustrating puzzle that the football world grappled with.
Also Read: Patrick Mahomes’ Sister Revealed: Get to Know Mia Randall
Johnny Manziel’s Diagnosis And Bipolar Disorder?
In 2018, he courageously opened up about his battles with substance addiction and depression, revealing that he had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. These revelations shed light on the personal struggles that had been taking place behind the scenes, offering a glimpse into the complexities of life under the spotlight.
In an attempt to resurrect his career, Manziel sought opportunities beyond the NFL. He showcased his talents in the Canadian Football League (CFL), playing for both the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Montreal Alouettes in 2018.
A subsequent stint in the Alliance of American Football (AAF) with the Memphis Express in 2019 showed his relentless pursuit of the game.
Manziel’s journey, however, wasn’t without its darkest moments. In a poignant clip from his Netflix documentary, ‘Untold: Johnny Football,’ he revealed a harrowing struggle with suicidal thoughts in 2016.
“I had planned to do everything I wanted to do at that point in my life, spend as much money as I possibly could, and then I planned to take my life,” Manziel says in the documentary, per The Athletic.”
The documentary based on Manziel will go live on Netflix on August 8.
Also Read: What is NFL’s Forward Handoff Rule? A Guide For New NFL Rule Changes
How much is the former Browns QB worth in 2024: Johnny Manziel’s Net Worth
Despite the ups and downs, Johnny Manziel’s story is one of resilience and the complexities of fame. As of 2024, his net worth stands at approximately $6 million, a testament to the financial success he achieved through his football career. While his NFL time may have fallen short of the monumental expectations set early on, his journey remains a reminder of the multifaceted nature of success, the price of fame, and the strength it takes to overcome personal demons.