Johnny Manziel didn’t play in the recent Hamilton Tiger-Cats game against Calgary. However, his coach, June Jones, praised his skills and character, stating that Manziel, the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner, should be in the NFL. Jones was impressed by Manziel’s qualities as a teammate and his understanding of the game, advocating for his inclusion in the National Football League once again.
After being drafted as the 22nd pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2014, Manziel faced challenges off the field, leading to his release from the team. His struggles with alcohol and drugs necessitated a couple of years in rehab, affecting his professional career. In May, Manziel signed a two-year contract with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Canadian Football League to revive his NFL aspirations after being out of the league for two years. He is currently serving as a backup to Jeremiah Masoli.
Manziel’s performance in the recent game, where he made 12 of 20 passes for 88 yards and one touchdown against Montreal, impressed Jones, signaling a successful return to football. Jones acknowledged that NFL decision-makers are monitoring Manziel’s progress and hoping to see his off-field issues addressed. According to Jones, Manziel is displaying growth and humility, indicating a positive trajectory in his personal and professional development.
During an interview about Carolina Panthers backup quarterback Garrett Gilbert, Jones highlighted how he supported Gilbert in rebuilding his confidence after transferring from Texas to Southern Methodist University.
