Challenges Faced by Johnny Manziel: Obstacles and Turning Points

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Johnny Manziel. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Johnny Manziel, nicknamed "Johnny Football," is a former American football quarterback. He gained fame playing college football for Texas A&M, winning the Heisman Trophy in 2012. Drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2014, his NFL career was short-lived and marked by inconsistent performance and off-field issues. Manziel also played in the CFL, AAF, and Fan Controlled Football, but failed to achieve sustained success in any league. His career is largely regarded as a cautionary tale of unfulfilled potential.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

January 2013: Autograph Controversy

In January 2013, reports surfaced questioning Johnny Manziel's eligibility for the 2013 season, alleging he had signed autographs for money.

August 28, 2013: NCAA Suspension Agreement

On August 28, 2013, the NCAA reached an agreement with Texas A&M to suspend Johnny Manziel for the first half of the team's game against Rice, after acknowledging that he did not receive any money for signing autographs.

August 22, 2014: Fined by NFL

On August 22, 2014, Johnny Manziel was fined $12,000 by the NFL for a hand gesture during a preseason game. Brian Hoyer was named the starter over Manziel.

December 21, 2014: Hamstring Injury Against Panthers

On December 21, 2014, Johnny Manziel left the game against the Carolina Panthers with a hamstring injury.

2015: Missed Game Due to Concussion

In 2015, Johnny Manziel sat out the last game of the season with a concussion and was reportedly in Las Vegas instead of with the team.

2015: End of Browns Tenure

Johnny Manziel was released by the Cleveland Browns after the end of the 2015 season.

February 2016: Browns Planned to Cut Ties

In early February 2016, it was reported that the Browns planned to cut ties with Johnny Manziel due to his off-field conduct and a domestic violence investigation.

March 11, 2016: Released by Browns

On March 11, 2016, Johnny Manziel was released by the Cleveland Browns.

2016: Unsigned in NFL

Following controversies during the 2016 offseason, Johnny Manziel was not signed by another team before the start of the NFL season.

2017: CFL Evaluation Process

Throughout 2017, Johnny Manziel went through an evaluation process with the CFL, including a workout with the Tiger-Cats. He was ultimately not allowed to sign for the 2017 season but could sign for 2018 if certain conditions were met.

January 31, 2018: Deadline for Tiger-Cats Offer

By January 31, 2018, Johnny Manziel wanted a fair deal offered by Hamilton to consider to play for them.

February 2018: Manziel Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder

In a February 2018 interview, Johnny Manziel recounted his personal problems and revealed he had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

2019: Manziel's AAF Season Ends Early

In 2019, Johnny Manziel played for the Memphis Express in the AAF but suffered a concussion. The league suspended football operations, ending his season.