Every year the media bloodhounds sniff out at least one NFL eligible college player whom they can focus in on and microscopically pick apart the life they lead, whether it be on or off the field. Sometimes we witness a few different athletes in the proverbial spotlight of the NFL world. It proves that no one is safe and that eyes are always on you in the social media age.
A few years ago we experienced the “Johnny Football” hysteria. A former Heisman trophy winner, Johnny quickly rose to stardom as the quarterback at Texas A&M. Known on the football field as a quick footed mobile play caller, off the field the image of Mr.Football was a much different story. A life filled with partying and very incriminating photos were an everyday routine for the freshman. Word spread like wildfire of his 2012 arrest, months before he was slated to become the starter, causing critics to swarm. He was cited for possessing a fake ID, something most underage Americans have. Though very minimal of an offence, the football community grabbed their pitchforks and came chanting.
With the world now watching like hawks, Johnny was in a complicated situation. Under heavy scrutiny he adjusted well. Breaking record after record in his rookie year he went on to win the Heisman. Showing talent that few possess, with athletic feats such as scrambling and hurdling massive opposing Dlines, Manziel dejected criticism due to spectacular play and unheard of stats.
Questioned since the world became aware of him, Manziel will now have to prove his current employer wrong once again. An apparent disbelief of his talent is evident in Cleveland, especially after a 4 year contract was inked in free agent Josh McCown’s name. A QB that is now playing for his 9th NFL team, with a horrible stat line, is anything but the answer for this lowly Browns squad.
Yes, Johnny has recently entered a rehabilitation program, this just shows his attitude is beginning to change, a trait that no one has seen from this troubled star. The public eye can be a dangerous place for people, certainly a 22 year old with the world on his shoulders would be no better off. To hold a clipboard on the sidelines your entire rookie year in the NFL and than thrown to the wolves near the end of the year can’t and shouldn’t be used to judge a quarterback. The Oline gave up by week 12 and the WR core was without another trouble stricken player, Josh Gordon. I firmly believe that if they allowed Manziel to take the team and run with it, literally and figuratively, after the preseason, Cleveland fans would most likely have experienced a postseason run.
At this point in time with your franchise missing out on postseason ball since the early 00’s, you have to take a chance. Placing Manziel in a category with Tim Tebow is illogical and unfair. Though I do believe Tebow could still be behind center in a few NFL markets, Johnny is heads above with his abilities. His off field activities will begin to diminish if his rehabilitation truly is a self appointed act, not a publicity stunt.
This offseason will be interesting, the AFC North will continue to get tougher. Cleveland has long watched from the outside, last year coming within games of a spot. If coach Pettine can come back down to earth and deny what the media says, accepting Johnny for his talents on the field and not his mistakes off of it, there’s no telling what that Browns team can do. A chance to grow and a staff that believes in him, Manziel will be amongst the best. A theory that will soon be challenged, come this 2015 season.
