Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Johnny Manziel

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Johnny Manziel.

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

June 29, 2012: Manziel Arrested on Misdemeanor Charges

On June 29, 2012, Johnny Manziel was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, failure to produce identification, and possession of a fictitious driver's license after a late-night fight.

2012: Manziel's Arrest and Team Reinstatement in 2012

In 2012, Johnny Manziel was involved in an altercation leading to his arrest. After the incident, he regained favor with his team and was named the starting quarterback, later addressing the incident in a press conference.

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.

January 2013: NCAA Investigates Manziel Autograph Payments

In January 2013, the NCAA investigated whether Johnny Manziel accepted payments for autographs, ultimately suspending him for the first half of the season opener due to an "inadvertent violation" of NCAA rules.

July 2013: Manziel Pleads Guilty

In July 2013, Johnny Manziel pleaded guilty to failure to produce identification, and the other two charges were dismissed.

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.

2013: Media Attention on Manziel's Off-Field Behavior in 2013

During the 2013 offseason, Johnny Manziel faced media scrutiny over his off-field behavior, including an early departure from the Manning Passing Academy and getting kicked out of a fraternity party.

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.

2014: Polarizing Pre-Draft Athlete

Prior to the 2014 NFL draft, Johnny Manziel became a polarizing athlete, with scouting opinions varying significantly. Former NFL head coach Barry Switzer criticized Manziel's behavior.

2015: Manziel Pulled Over After Altercation in 2015

During October of the 2015 season, Johnny Manziel was pulled over after fighting in his car with his then-girlfriend, Colleen Crowley, admitting to having consumed alcohol.

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: Browns are 'so done with Manziel'

In 2015, the Browns were done with Manziel

January 2, 2016: Manziel Spotted in Las Vegas Casino

On January 2, 2016, Johnny Manziel was seen at Las Vegas' Planet Hollywood casino the night before the Browns' final game, for which he was scratched due to a concussion.

January 6, 2016: Manziel Loses Marketing Agency and Agent

On January 6, 2016, Johnny Manziel's marketing agency, LRMR, and agent, Erik Burkhardt, ended their relationships with him.

January 30, 2016: Incident at Dallas Hotel

On January 30, 2016, an altercation occurred at a downtown Dallas hotel involving Johnny Manziel and Colleen Crowley, leading to domestic violence allegations.

February 5, 2016: Dallas Police Open Domestic Violence Investigation

On February 5, 2016, the Dallas Police Department opened a criminal investigation into Johnny Manziel for domestic violence involving his ex-girlfriend, Colleen Crowley.

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.

April 19, 2016: Rosenhaus and Nike Terminate Manziel

On April 19, 2016, agent Drew Rosenhaus terminated his relationship with Johnny Manziel, and Nike ended its sponsorship with him.

June 24, 2016: Manziel's Attorney's Text Message and Father's Comments

On June 24, 2016, Johnny Manziel's attorney accidentally sent a text message revealing concerns about Manziel's ability to stay clean. On the same day, Manziel's father publicly expressed concerns about his son's drug use.

June 30, 2016: Manziel Suspended by NFL

On June 30, 2016, Johnny Manziel was suspended for the first four games of the 2016 season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

December 2, 2016: Manziel Finalizes Plea Agreement

On December 2, 2016, Johnny Manziel and prosecutors finalized a plea agreement where he agreed to undergo counseling and have his conduct monitored to avoid prosecution.

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.

2019: Alouettes Release Manziel

In 2019, the Alouettes released Johnny Manziel on orders from the CFL after officials determined he had "contravened" the terms of his contract. The CFL also barred him from signing with any other CFL team.