The commissioner of the football league issues a personal appeal to encourage Johnny Manziel to finalize his contract signing.
After earning the prestigious title of first-team All-American Heisman winner, Johnny Manziel leveraged his remarkable success with the Texas A&M Aggies to secure a place in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Although he wasn’t the top overall pick, the Cleveland Browns recognized enough promise in ‘Johnny Football’ to draft him 22nd overall.
However, the 6-foot, 207-pound quarterback failed to replicate his collegiate success at the professional level. During his rookie NFL season, Manziel only played in five games and started just twice. His sophomore season in the NFL wasn’t much better, with six starts and a total of nine appearances, resulting in seven touchdowns and five interceptions while leading the Browns to a 2-4 record.
While his initial NFL years were underwhelming, nobody anticipated that Manziel would never again step onto a professional field, especially considering he hadn’t even turned 24 yet.
Nevertheless, that’s precisely what occurred. Manziel was released from his contract with the Browns in 2016, subsequently bouncing around in the CFL, the now-defunct AAF, and even the fan-controlled football league from 2021-22.
However, Manziel did not play last year, prompting speculation that the 31-year-old Texan may have retired from football altogether. However, the Arena Football League is hopeful for a different outcome.
AFL commissioner Lee Hutton III recently made a public appeal to Manziel, extending him an offer to join the league.
“I reached out to Johnny Manziel,” Hutton stated. “So, Johnny, I’m a Texas guy. So, if you’re ready to come back and play indoors—because you did very well—we will take you. We will find a spot for you.”
Manziel has yet to respond to Hutton’s invitation, and he may opt not to. However, if fans express their desire for the return of Johnny Football, it’s difficult to imagine him turning down such an opportunity.
