Johnny Manziel Exits Special Forces: The World’s Toughest Test

NFL veteran Johnny Manziel has become the fifth rookie to voluntarily leave Season 4 of Special Forces: The World’s Toughest Test.

In Episode 4, titled “Mindset,” Manziel departed during a challenging undercover mission. Leading a group through intimidating underground tunnels, he panicked upon hitting a dead end and decided to exit when he saw a possible escape route, exclaiming, “I’m out.”

“I remember giving it my all,” Manziel shared during a recent Zoom discussion. “In that moment, I confronted a new fear I never knew existed, and I chose to quit.”

Manziel jumped into the spotlight in 2012 as the first freshman quarterback to take home the Heisman Trophy. After being drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2016, he faced multiple off-field issues that led to his release. He mentioned that friends from the NFL, like Danny Amendola and Cam Newton, urged him to join the show.

“They were fantastic,” he reflected. “They had to reveal their true selves, both personally and physically. For me, that wasn’t hard.”

During his participation, Manziel discussed his journey as a football player, confessing to feeling like he had “lost” his work ethic at the peak of his career. He acknowledged that he had “given up” on himself.

“I’m still climbing,” he said. “I’m committed to self-improvement and becoming who I want to be. This show was a chance to challenge myself, right from my couch.”

In the Interview

Decider: What prompted you to join this program?

Johnny Manziel: Friends from the NFL, like Danny Amendola, Cam Newton, and Golden Tate, were involved. They all had wonderful experiences and showed a side of themselves beyond just personal stories. It was an easy decision for me; I wanted to test my limits and enjoy the experience.

This season had many former NFL players. Did you know anyone before arriving in Morocco? How was it having them alongside you?

Some of us had existing connections, but you enter the show not knowing who will be there. It was comforting to be among several former players with SEC backgrounds, which made it easier to bond and have fun.

Reflecting on the mirror room scene, you mentioned struggling with physical challenges. Do you think your athlete background helped?

Absolutely.

What did that structure feel like for you?

That structure was a big part of my upbringing. Being on the show and connecting with those around me created lasting memories. I’m thankful for the friendships formed, even though stepping away from the show was tough. Despite the disappointment, I felt I was on the right track and made great friends along the way.

Opening up about mental health was brave. How did you feel sharing that part of yourself with the team?

I was nervous during my personal interview, but they really grasped what I was trying to convey. They aimed to challenge me while genuinely considering my well-being, which I appreciated.

DS Billy Billingham claimed this experience was like the best therapy. Do you agree, and how did you spend your time on the show?

We have immense respect for the military and what they face. Our experience was just a glimpse of their reality. Living in that environment for a few weeks was eye-opening, and I’m grateful for the opportunity and the team.

Given your public life, what do you hope viewers learn about you through this show?

I hope fans see that I’m still figuring things out in life. I’m constantly striving for improvement. This show has given me a chance to step out of my comfort zone and face challenges in a unique setting.

Many found your decision to leave justified. That last challenge looked intense. Could you share what it was like?

I remember fighting as hard as I could. Our objective was to get through those tunnels, but when I got lost at the end, it became overwhelming. When I spotted a potential exit and recognized an unfamiliar fear, I knew I had to leave. The team offered me chances to stay, but I felt it was right to bow out.

What was your first action after leaving the program?

Right after, I had a moment to chat with the staff and then returned to Marrakech before heading back to the U.S. The overwhelming physical, mental, and emotional challenges really stood out in my mind.

Would you consider participating in other competition shows in the future?

Definitely. Any show that allows me to engage in these types of challenges is something I’d explore. I remain open to future opportunities.

I can see you on something like Traitor or Dancing with the Stars next!

If offers come up, I’ll consider them. Let’s see what the future holds!

Thanks for your time. I really enjoyed watching your journey, especially your intense VW challenge.

I appreciate that! The experience was not just entertainment; it was real. We were taken out of our comfortable lives and placed into a rigorous environment. I’m thankful to FOX and everyone involved for the chance to participate. It was genuinely rewarding.

This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

Special Forces: The World’s Toughest Test airs Thursday nights at 9 PM ET/PT on FOX. Episodes will be available to stream on Hulu the following day.