Johnny Manziel, once a celebrated Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback known for his electrifying play, is no longer actively playing professional football. After a high-profile but brief NFL career, he has transitioned to new ventures, including launching a podcast.
Johnny Manziel: From Heisman Hopeful to Post-Football Ventures
Manziel rose to national fame as a quarterback for the Texas A&M Aggies, earning the nickname "Johnny Football" and becoming the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy in 2012. His exciting, improvisational style made him a college superstar, leading to high expectations for his professional career.
NFL Stint and Early Struggles
Drafted by the Cleveland Browns as the 22nd overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, Manziel's professional football journey in the NFL was short-lived and turbulent. Despite the immense hype, his time with the Browns was marked by inconsistent play and off-field issues, ultimately leading to his release in 2016.
Post-NFL Attempts and Leagues
After his departure from the National Football League, Manziel sought opportunities in various alternative leagues, attempting to revive his professional football career. These endeavors included:
- Canadian Football League (CFL): Manziel signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2018 before being traded to the Montreal Alouettes, where he played briefly.
- Alliance of American Football (AAF): He joined the Memphis Express in 2019, but the league ceased operations shortly after his arrival.
- Fan Controlled Football (FCF): Manziel also participated in this indoor football league, known for its fan-interactive format.
Despite these attempts, Manziel has not signed with any new teams or leagues since his stints with the Memphis Express and Fan Controlled Football, signifying that he is not currently an active professional football player.
Life Beyond the Field
As of now, Johnny Manziel is not actively playing professional football. His focus has shifted to pursuits outside of competitive sports.
New Endeavors:
- Podcast Series: In a notable transition, Manziel launched a new podcast series titled Glory Daze in August 2024. This venture is a collaboration with Almost Friday Media, marking his entry into the media and entertainment landscape.
Manziel's journey highlights a significant shift from his days as a football phenom to exploring new avenues off the field.
| Career Stage | Notable Teams/Leagues | Status/Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| College Football | Texas A&M Aggies | Heisman Trophy winner |
| NFL | Cleveland Browns | Drafted 22nd overall (2014), brief tenure |
| Post-NFL Attempts | Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL), Montreal Alouettes (CFL), Memphis Express (AAF), Fan Controlled Football (FCF) | Brief stints, no sustained return |
| Current Status | Not actively playing professional football | Non-active |
| New Endeavors | Glory Daze Podcast (Almost Friday Media) | Launched August 2024 |
