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Johnny Manziel — 2012 Heisman winner
Johnny Manziel made history in 2012 by becoming the first freshman to earn the prestigious Heisman Trophy while playing for Texas A&M University. His dynamic performance that season was marked by impressive statistics, including 3,706 passing yards and 26 touchdown passes, complemented by 1,410 rushing yards resulting in another 21 touchdowns. The following year, he further showcased his talent by amassing 4,114 passing yards and 37 touchdowns, along with 759 rushing yards and nine additional touchdowns.
After just two seasons in college football, Manziel decided to enter the NFL Draft. He was selected as the 22nd overall pick by the Cleveland Browns in the 2014 draft. However, his transition into professional football was marred by reported concerns about his off-field behavior. According to Cleveland.com, the Browns expressed concern over Manziel’s partying habits even before his NFL debut. His issues became more pronounced during the season, highlighted by an embarrassing incident in which he made an obscene gesture at an opposing team’s bench during a preseason game, followed by a stint in treatment in early 2015.
During a post-game conference, Manziel acknowledged the heated exchanges that occur in football, reflecting on a specific incident as a “lapse in judgment” and admitting that he needed to be smarter in his responses on the field. By the conclusion of his rookie season, he had seen limited action, participating in only five games and recording 175 passing yards, without scoring a touchdown, while accumulating two interceptions and a passer rating of 42.0. In his second season, he played in nine games, managing to pass for 1,500 yards and seven touchdowns.
Despite his on-field potential, Manziel’s career continued to be overshadowed by off-field controversies, including a domestic violence charge in 2016. ESPN reported that these charges were ultimately dismissed in November 2017 after Manziel complied with the stipulations of a dismissal agreement. Nevertheless, the Browns decided to part ways with him in March 2016.
Reflecting on his time in Cleveland, Manziel revealed in a recent interview that he struggled to maintain a clear mindset conducive to playing football, citing difficulty with personal challenges that exacerbated his situation. In a candid moment, he expressed a desire to lead a more ordinary life away from the pressures of fame, stating, “I want to live a more normal, simplistic lifestyle now. I’m finding things that truly do make me happy without having to be in a spotlight every day.”
As Manziel continues to navigate his post-NFL life, he remains a recognizable figure but is focused on finding personal contentment away from the public eye. He did not provide any further comments when approached for additional insights.
Source
www.businessinsider.com