So when you get down to it, Tim Tebow had a better NFL career than Johnny Manziel. Tebow did have a half season where he started, wore defenses down with his running game that opened up pass defenses enough that even he could complete some passes and got the Broncos in the playoffs. Plus he may have made Denver a desirable place for a real NFL quarterback in Peyton Manning.
Not that Tebow really struck me as long term quarterback. His abilities weren't that of an NFL quarterback. Maybe if college you could play 15 years, yes But at the same time this is the 21st century. Athletes keep in shape, study film, and train 12 months a year. And if you don't, someone who does will come along real soon to take your place.
Manziel sounds like an outright alcoholic and all evidence rolling in suggests he has been for a long time. A gin monkey is a gin monkey, I am unconvinced his employer matters.
The thing is that the reason that Manziel ended up with the Browns is because the Browns are such a shitty organization. They make bad decision after bad decision, then double down with another bad decision. Lets look at their recent first round drafting:
2012: Trent Richardson 3rd overall: traded in 2013 to Indy for a 1st round pick in 2014.
2012: Brandon Weeden 22nd overall: released after 2014
2013: Barkevious Mingo 6th overall: currently a backup
2014: Justin Gilbert 8th overall: currently a backup
2014: Johnny Manziel 22nd overall using pick from Richardson trade
So in three years, they used 5 first round picks to get nothing.
Meanwhile my Vikings have picked 2012: Matt Kalil (starting LT), Harrison Smith (starting safety), 2013: Shariff Floyd (starting DT), Xavier Rhodes (starting CB), Cordarrelle Patterson (good return guy, but mediocre WR), 2014: Anthony Barr (starting LB), Teddy Bridgewater (starting QB). The difference between a good organization and a bad organization.
Well, sadly, flipping the bird to the world and doing as he pleases worked extremely well for him until he reached the NFL. It’s hard for ANYBODY to change, but even more so when 22 years of life experience has told you that you CAN get away with murder just because you’re Johnny F—ing Manziel.
Manziel is a sad train wreck. I wonder when his drinking problems began, but my bet is he has been excused and enabled his entire football-playing life, no matter what the transgression.
I didn’t know the Browns lied to “protect” him last year.
The NFL should fine the Browns for using the concussion protocol to cover up a hung-over player. They were trying to protect themselves and their investment in Manziel, nothing more. To say it was to protect Manziel is a flat-out lie, and the Browns knew few would question a player being put on the concussion protocol.
If I was a stud QB, I would pull a John Elway and tell the Browns I would not play for them, so don’t waste the draft pick. (Elway did that to the Colts, I believe). The Browns organization is a cancer to a QB’s career.
As for Manziel, I believe his career is over. He has to get his life back on track, and right now, he doesn’t seem to be capable.