Early Life and Education of Johnny Manziel: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Johnny Manziel, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

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

1907: Immigration of Joseph Manziel

In 1907, Johnny Manziel's paternal great-great-grandfather Joseph immigrated to the United States from Lebanon.

December 6, 1992: Johnny Manziel Born

On December 6, 1992, Johnathan Paul Manziel, nicknamed "Johnny Football", was born.

Others born on this day/year

2011: Redshirted at Texas A&M

During the 2011 season, Johnny Manziel was redshirted and did not play in any games, but he did make the travel squad after enrolling with the college in January.

2011: Attended Texas A&M under Mike Sherman

In 2011, Johnny Manziel received an athletic scholarship to attend Texas A&M University, where he attended under coach Mike Sherman.

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.

August 30, 2012: Game Postponed Due to Hurricane Isaac

On Thursday, August 30, 2012, Johnny Manziel's first game against Louisiana Tech was postponed until October 13 due to Hurricane Isaac.

2012: Played for Kevin Sumlin

From 2012 to 2013, Johnny Manziel played for new coach Kevin Sumlin at Texas A&M University.

2012: College Debut at Texas A&M

In 2012, Johnny Manziel debuted in college football for the Texas A&M Aggies as a redshirt freshman. He broke numerous NCAA Division I FBS and SEC records.

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: 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.

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.

2013: Played for Kevin Sumlin

From 2012 to 2013, Johnny Manziel played for new coach Kevin Sumlin at Texas A&M University.

2013: Trademarked "Johnny Football"

In 2013, Johnny Manziel applied for and was granted a registered trademark for the nickname "Johnny Football".

April 2014: Drake Mentions Manziel in "Draft Day"

In April 2014, rap artist Drake released the song "Draft Day", which includes a shoutout to Johnny Manziel.

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: 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.

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.

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.