Brief Introduction of Johnny Manziel
Johnathan Paul Manziel, famously known as “Johnny Football,” is an American former football quarterback whose electrifying and unpredictable style of play made him a collegiate legend. He rose to national prominence as the quarterback for the Texas A&M Aggies, where he became The first freshman in history to win the Heisman Trophy in 2012. His collegiate success, marked by numerous broken records, led to his selection by the Cleveland Browns as the 22nd overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. However, his professional career was short-lived and marred by inconsistency and numerous off-field controversies, ultimately leading to his release from the Browns in 2016 and subsequent stints in various other football leagues.
Johnny Manziel Overview
| Full Name | Johnathan Paul Manziel |
| Nickname | Johnny Football |
| Date of Birth | December 6, 1992 |
| Age | 32 (as of late 2025) |
| Birthplace | Tyler, Texas, U.S. |
| Family | Paul Manziel (Father), Michelle Manziel (Mother), Meri Manziel (Sister) |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Profession | Former American Football Quarterback, Podcast Host |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1 million (as of 2025) |
Early Life and Education of Johnny Manziel
Johnathan Paul Manziel was born on December 6, 1992, in Tyler, Texas, to Michelle and Paul Manziel. He has a younger sister, Meri. The Manziel family has Lebanese and Italian heritage; his great-great-grandfather emigrated from Lebanon in 1907. Manziel grew up in Kerrville, Texas, where he attended Tivy High School. From a young age, he was a multi-sport athlete, excelling in football, baseball, basketball, and golf. In high school, he focused on football and baseball. As a quarterback, he achieved “folk hero status,” drawing comparisons to players like Brett Favre and Drew Brees. During his high school football career, he was a three-year starter, amassing incredible statistics and earning numerous accolades, including Parade All-American and the National High School Coach Association Football Player of the Year as a senior. He was a highly sought-after recruit, receiving offers from several universities before choosing Texas A&M.
Johnny Manziel’s Career
College Career at Texas A&M
Manziel redshirted his first year at Texas A&M in 2011. In 2012, as a redshirt freshman, he burst onto the college football scene in spectacular fashion under coach Kevin Sumlin. In Texas A&M’s first season in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), Manziel’s dual-threat capabilities perfectly suited the Air Raid offense. He broke numerous NCAA and SEC records, becoming the first freshman and only the fifth player in NCAA history to pass for over 3,000 yards and rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season. His defining moment came in a stunning 29-24 upset victory over the then-No. 1 ranked Alabama. Following this historic season, Manziel became the first-ever freshman to win the Heisman Trophy, the Davey O’Brien Award, and the Manning Award. He led the Aggies to an 11-2 record and a victory in the 2013 Cotton Bowl Classic.
His sophomore season in 2013 was also statistically impressive, though the team finished with a 9-4 record. He finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting that year. After the season, he decided to forgo his remaining college eligibility and enter the NFL Draft.
NFL Career with the Cleveland Browns
Despite his collegiate heroics, concerns about his off-field behavior and maturity caused him to slide in the 2014 NFL Draft. The Cleveland Browns selected Manziel with the 22nd overall pick after he reportedly sent a text to the quarterbacks coach urging them to draft him. He signed a four-year contract worth approximately $8.25 million, including a $4.3 million signing bonus.
Manziel’s NFL career never reached the heights of his college days. He struggled with consistency and his tenure was largely overshadowed by off-field issues. In his rookie season, he started two games, completing 18 of 35 passes for 176 yards, with no passing touchdowns and two interceptions. His second season in 2015 showed slight improvement, where he played in nine games and threw for 1,500 yards and seven touchdowns against five interceptions. However, continued controversies led the Browns to release him on March 11, 2016.
Post-NFL Football Journey
After being cut by the Browns and spending two years away from the sport, Manziel attempted several comebacks. In 2018, he signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League (CFL) and was later traded to the Montreal Alouettes. His time in the CFL was brief; he was released in 2019 for violating his contract terms and was subsequently banned from the league. Shortly after, he joined the Memphis Express of the newly formed Alliance of American Football (AAF), but the league folded just weeks into its inaugural season.
In 2021 and 2022, Manziel played for the Zappers in the Fan Controlled Football (FCF) league, a 7-on-7 indoor league where fans call the plays. He has since stated that his professional football chapter is closed.
Johnny Manziel Personal Life & Family
Johnny Manziel’s family has a colorful history in Texas. The narrative of the family possessing significant “oil money” stems from his great-grandfather, Bobby Joe Manziel, who was an oil wildcatter in the 1930s. However, reports suggest this wealth was embellished, and that the family’s financial situation was more modest. His father, Paul, has been vocal about his son’s struggles, expressing concern over his behavior and addiction issues.
Manziel’s romantic life has been subject to public attention. He dated model Sarah Savage in college and was later linked to model Lauren Hanley. His relationship with Colleen Crowley ended amidst domestic violence allegations in 2016, which resulted in a misdemeanor assault indictment; the charges were later dropped as part of a plea deal. In 2018, he married model and reality TV personality Bre Tiesi. The marriage was short-lived, and they divorced in 2021. More recently, he has been linked to model Josie Canseco.
Manziel has been open about his personal struggles, including a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and battles with alcohol and drug addiction. He revealed in the Netflix documentary “Untold: Johnny Football” that he had a plan to take his own life after his NFL career ended.
Awards and Achievements of Johnny Manziel
- Heisman Trophy (2012)
- Davey O’Brien Award (2012)
- Manning Award (2012)
- AP College Football Player of the Year (2012)
- Sporting News Player of the Year (2012)
- Consensus All-American (2012)
- SEC Offensive Player of the Year (2012)
- SEC Freshman of the Year (2012)
- First-team All-SEC (2012, 2013)
- Texas A&M Athletics Hall of Fame (2022)
Johnny Manziel Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Johnny Manziel’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. This is a significant decrease from the potential earnings projected for him early in his career. His rookie contract with the Cleveland Browns was a four-year deal worth $8.25 million, which included a $4.3 million signing bonus. In total, he earned approximately $7.7 million in salary from the NFL. At his peak, he also had endorsement deals with major brands like Nike, McDonald’s, and Nissan, which earned him an estimated $10 million. His financial story is often cited as a cautionary tale for young athletes about the potential for rapid financial decline.
Legacy and Influence
Johnny Manziel’s legacy is complex. In college, “Johnny Football” was a cultural phenomenon, a captivating player whose improvisational skill and exciting playstyle brought unprecedented attention to Texas A&M. His Heisman Trophy win as a freshman was a historic achievement that broke a long-standing barrier. However, his professional career and public struggles have turned his story into a cautionary tale about the pressures of fame, the challenges of professional sports, and the consequences of off-field behavior. He remains a polarizing figure, remembered both for his incredible collegiate talent and his unfulfilled potential in the NFL.
Interesting Facts about Johnny Manziel
- The nickname “Johnny Football” was first used on the fan forum TexAgs during his high school career and he later trademarked it in 2013.
- He was an accomplished baseball player in high school and considered playing for Texas A&M’s baseball team.
- During his Heisman-winning season, he became the first player in NCAA FBS history to pass for 300 yards and rush for 100 yards in three different games in a single season.
- He has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
- He admitted to going on a $5 million “bender” after being released by the Cleveland Browns.
Controversies
Johnny Manziel’s career has been plagued by numerous controversies. Even before his famous 2012 season, he was arrested in June 2012 and charged with disorderly conduct, failure to produce identification, and possession of a fake ID. In 2013, he was suspended for the first half of Texas A&M’s season opener after an NCAA investigation into allegations that he accepted payments for autographs, a violation of then-NCAA rules. His time in the NFL was filled with incidents, including being fined for making a rude gesture during a preseason game and reports questioning his work ethic. In 2016, he was indicted on misdemeanor assault charges related to a domestic violence incident involving his then-girlfriend, Colleen Crowley. The charges were eventually dismissed after he met the conditions of a plea agreement.
Social Media Presence
Johnny Manziel maintains a presence on social media, though his activity level has varied over the years. He uses platforms like Instagram and Twitter to connect with his audience, share updates on his life, and promote his new ventures. His following reflects his continued public interest, with a significant number of followers on both platforms.
Final Words about Johnny Manziel
Now in his early thirties, Johnny Manziel appears to have closed the chapter on his professional football career. He has expressed a desire to live a more normal and private life away from the intense spotlight that followed him for years. Residing in Arizona, he spends much of his time golfing and with family. In 2023, he was the subject of a Netflix documentary titled “Untold: Johnny Football,” which detailed his meteoric rise and fall. Recently, he has entered the media space, launching a podcast called “Glory Daze” in 2024, where he interviews other athletes about their careers. Manziel’s journey serves as a powerful narrative on the complexities of fame, mental health, and finding a new purpose after a turbulent sports career.