Johnny Manziel hopes a fledgling developmental football league that opens on Wednesday in Austin will help him reclaim the NFL career he threw away.
The Spring League is the next phase of the former Texas A&M superstar’s “ComebackSZN,” the label splashed all over his social media. The league, in its second year, is designed to get former pro players back in front of NFL and Canadian Football League scouts. Manziel and the South team he’s been assigned to will play NFL-rules, full-contact games Saturday, April 7, and Thursday, April 12.
In a recent phone conversation, Manziel told the head of The Spring League that he’s not taking the opportunity for granted, according to CEO Brian Woods.
“He’s very sincere about his interest in returning to the NFL,” Woods said. “He’s willing to do whatever it takes. … He wants to be the first one down to breakfast every morning; he’s going to spend a lot of time in the film room. He’s very excited about this opportunity.”
Manziel, 25, had to pay the standard $700 registration fee, like all players, Woods said, and will stay in the same league hotel. No special treatment, which is how the Manziel camp wanted it.
The quarterback will play for the first time since the Cleveland Browns cut him in the spring of 2016 after two rough seasons on the field and even more angst off it. Manziel will need to be convincing that he’s still got the talent that made him a first-round draft pick and Heisman Trophy winner, and that he’s the changed man he professes to be.
A former favorite place for carousing, Austin seems a fitting proving ground. Manziel once famously floated on an inflatable swan there while chugging from a bottle.
It was the hard-partying lifestyle that contributed to a quick end in Cleveland and took a well-documented dark turn.
Manziel was indicted in early 2016 in Dallas on a charge of misdemeanor assault involving a former girlfriend.
About that time, Manizel’s father, Paul, told SportsDay he didn’t know if his son would make it to his 24th birthday.
Manziel eventually met the conditions set by a judge and had his case dismissed in November.
Manziel says he is now sober and on medication for bipolar disorder and has been working out in California in his effort to resurrect his career. He recently got married, according to reports.
Woods has a relationship with Erik Burkhardt, Manziel’s agent, and they remained in touch about the possibility that Manziel would take part. It makes particular sense with the league moving from West Virginia to Austin, where it is expected to remain.
Manziel has an opportunity with the CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats but views The Spring League as a chance to fast-track his return to the NFL, Woods said, after some players earned closer looks from last year’s event.
Manziel will work with Terry Shea, a QB expert, during the two weeks.
The league is already experiencing some of the “Johnny Football” Effect of old, with an “overwhelming” wave of media interest, Woods said.
The players, who will make up four teams, are the median age of about 24, and most have been involved at some level with the NFL, including 26 players who were selected in the draft, according to Woods.
At least 15 NFL teams and six CFL teams are expected, Woods said, including the Cowboys. Team owner Jerry Jones famously resisted the impulse to draft Manziel four years ago. The club has since stumbled into its new franchise QB in Dak Prescott and is not believed to be interested in Manziel.
Manziel on Thursday threw at the University of San Diego’s pro day at the request of the team’s receivers. Manziel looked sharp, according to some reports, in front of 13 NFL teams. But there is much work to be done before fathoming a Manziel return to the NFL.
“I’ve rubbed people the wrong way,” Manziel told ESPN. “There’s still people that still doubt what I’m doing.
“[I have] spurts in the past of being good … and looking like I’m on the right path, and when I think I get there, something else happens. … The key right now is to be consistent and to continue what I’m doing day in and day out.”
Twitter: @khairopoulos
About The Spring League
What: An elite developmental league and scouting event for professional football talent. About 150 players will be split into four teams.
Where: Austin’s Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex
When: Wednesday through April 12
Games: 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. April 7 and 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. April 12. They will be broadcast via Turner Sports’ live-streaming service
Tickets: $39.50-$299 (thespringleague.com)
History: The league held its first season in 2017 in West Virginia. 10 NFL teams attended the inaugural season and 22 requested practice and game video footage. Players such as former Cowboys DE Greg Hardy and Texas QB David Ash took part. Around a dozen participants earned CFL opportunities, according to the league, and others earned invites to NFL camps. Tight end Manasseh Garner (Washington Redskins) was promoted from the practice squad to the active roster at the end of the season.