The downfall of Cleveland’s Johnny Manziel
Once a highly-touted prospect, the quarterback’s future on an off the field is in jeopardy
Johnny Manziel (center) looks on during a 2014 practice session with the Cleveland Browns. The Browns released Manziel in March and he is as yet unsigned.
April 23, 2016
Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel has been a topic of discussion in the National Football League numerous times for his on-and-off the field troubles that have sent his football career in a downward spiral after an excellent college career.
It was only four years ago that Manziel was on top of the college football world. He won the Heisman Trophy as the nation’s best collegiate football player while playing for Texas A&M as a redshirt freshman. He amassed over 4,800 total yards to go along with 47 touchdowns and led the Aggies to a Cotton Bowl Classic win.
The Browns drafted Manziel in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft and he quickly became a fan favorite with his potential.
Unfortunately, Manziel has struggled to maintain a successful NFL career and now his future hangs in the balance.
During his rookie season, he missed a Browns walkthrough due to a night of partying with teammate Josh Gordon. Two months later, Manziel checked into rehab for unspecified reasons. He spent 69 days in rehab and promised to resurrect his career upon being released. However, during the 2015 season, NFL Network’s Mike Silver reported that Manziel showed up drunk to a Browns practice and was subsequently sent home soon after. Then shortly after the season ended, Manziel’s ex-girlfriend, Colleen Crowley, filed a restraining order against him after she claimed that on Feb. 8, he struck her in the ear so hard that her eardrum burst.
“How dare he put his hands on a woman,” San Diego State University graduate Blanca Perla said. “You’ve got to be a crazy human being to think that is right. There is a special place called jail for people like him.”
Manziel likely will be indicted by a grand jury for his actions and the debate rages on as to whether or not the quarterback still belongs in the NFL.
“Everyone makes mistakes,” NFL fan Junior Finkey said. “I understand that this may be strike three or whatever but the man has so much potential to see go to waste. If the Browns do not give him another shot, I’m confident another team with the right system will.”
Manziel was released by the Browns shortly after the new league year began.
