Johnny Manziel is stepping into the world of television.
The former quarterback for the Browns, now 32, rounds out the impressive lineup of Fox’s “Special Forces: The World’s Toughest Test.” He’ll be facing intense physical and emotional challenges alongside other athletes and reality stars.
After a tumultuous stint with the Cleveland team, Manziel joins a diverse group this season, which features retired wide receiver Randall Cobb, former Jets receiver Eric Decker, country singer Jesse James Decker, and former NFL long snapper Andrew East, along with his wife, Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson.
The cast also includes World Cup and Olympic soccer champion Christie Pearce Lampone and NBA guard Nick Young.
This show, which debuted in January 2023, showcases participants tackling rigorous training in the vast Moroccan desert. The challenges seem, perhaps, grueling to say the least.
Additionally, other personalities like Bravo’s Teresa Giudice and her daughter Gia, along with Brittany Cartwright, former “Real Housewives of Atlanta” cast member Eva Marcille, model Chanel Iman, and “Sister Wives” star Kody Brown, add to the mix, along with actors Ravi Patel and Briann. The variety is quite interesting.
Manziel, who was selected in the first round by the Browns in 2014, gained fame in college at Texas A&M and even won the Heisman Trophy as a freshman in 2012. However, despite his college success, he struggled to replicate that in the NFL, dealing with substance abuse issues and various controversies off the field.
Following his release from the Browns in 2016, Manziel opened up about his decline in the 2023 Netflix documentary “Untold: Johnny Football.”
He also had brief stints in the CFL and the Alliance of American Football. Recently, on Logan Paul’s podcast, he reflected on the idea of making an NFL comeback, stating, “I pondered what that would look like last year. I thought, okay, maybe I can start working out again and see if I can get back in shape.”
In his time with the Browns, Manziel made 14 appearances, throwing for a total of 1,675 yards, along with seven touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Now, he’s focused on “Special Forces,” which premiered on September 25th.
