Johnny Manziel’s Desire to Return to the NFL
Nearly a decade after his last game, Johnny Manziel has expressed a wish to return to the NFL.
The 32-year-old former quarterback shared on Logan Paul’s podcast, “Impaulsive,” that he worked out last year, hoping to secure another opportunity in the league. He was contemplating whether it was too late for another chance.
“Last year, I actually asked myself this question,” Manziel recounted. “I thought, let me start working out again, throw the football, and see if I can get back into shape.”
Manziel, who was selected 22nd overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 2014 draft, further mentioned that he’s not interested in playing football in lower leagues but would welcome an opportunity in the NFL.
He recalled telling his agent, “I think I’m going to come back.” His agent responded, discussing options like the UFL or XFL, to which Manziel responded dismissively, feeling there was no way he would want to play in those early leagues.
The Texas A&M standout was a notable figure in college football, winning the Heisman Trophy in 2014, but his tumultuous off-field lifestyle and lack of commitment led to a decline in his career, which he openly reflected on in a Netflix documentary released in 2023. Although he was considered a top talent, he ended up being picked by the Browns later in the first round.
Manziel has shared that he faced serious personal struggles after being released by Cleveland, including a suicide attempt. “I think I was just running away from my problems,” he stated in the documentary, explaining his mindset at that time and the self-destructive path he took.
His two-year stint with the Browns ended with a quarterback rating of 74.4, marking the conclusion of his NFL journey.
Afterward, he played in various leagues, including the CFL and other lesser-known leagues, but his aspiration remains to return to the NFL. Still, he recognizes that the chances of making it back are slim. “As much as I’d like to think it’s possible, I’m 32, and my chances are probably pretty limited,” Manziel admitted.
