Johnny Manziel, born on December 6, 1992, in Tyler, Texas, is a former professional football quarterback known as “Johnny Football.”
He played two seasons with the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL). He also played for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 2018, the Memphis Express of the Alliance of American Football (AAF) in 2019, and in Fan Controlled Football from 2021 to 2022.
Here, we have Johnny Manziel’s net worth, career earnings, stats, achievements, personal details, controversies, and more.
Johnny Manziel’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Johnathan Paul Manziel |
| Birthdate | December 6, 1992 |
| Height | 6’0″ |
| Weight | 210 lbs |
| College | Texas A&M University |
| Draft Information | 2014: Round 1, Pick 22 (CLE) |
| Birthplace | Tyler, TX |
| Nickname | Johnny Football |
College Football
Manziel played for the Aggies from 2011 to 2013, redshirting his first year in 2011.
2012, as a redshirt freshman, Manziel took the college football world by storm. He became the first freshman and the fifth player in NCAA history to pass for 3,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in a single season. His dynamic playstyle and ability to make plays with his arms and legs earned him the nickname “Johnny Football.” He completed 295 of his 434 passes for 3,706 yards and 26 touchdowns and rushed for 1,410 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Manziel’s performance that year led to several awards, including the Heisman Trophy, making him the first freshman to win the prestigious award. He also won the Davey O’Brien Award and the Manning Award in 2012.
Manziel’s 2012 season included several memorable moments, such as breaking Archie Manning’s total offense record of 540 yards, which had stood for 43 years, by throwing for 557 yards against Arkansas. He then surpassed his record with 576 yards against Louisiana Tech. Additionally, his performance against Alabama, where he accounted for two passing touchdowns and 345 total yards, solidified his Heisman candidacy.
In his sophomore year, Manziel continued to impress with his on-field performances. He threw for 4,114 yards and 37 touchdowns and rushed for 759 yards and 9 touchdowns. Despite being unable to lead the team to a national championship, his success was undeniable, and he finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting in 2013.
Manziel’s college stats reflect his impact on the field. Over his two seasons as a starter, he amassed 7,820 passing yards, 63 passing touchdowns, 2,169 rushing yards, and 30 rushing touchdowns.
Professional Career
Manziel was drafted 22nd overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 2014 NFL Draft.
Over two seasons (2014-2015), Manziel played in 14 games, starting 8, and posted a 2-6 record as a starter. He completed 147 of 258 passes for 1,675 yards, with 7 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Various issues overshadowed his NFL career, leading to his release by the Browns in March 2016.
Seeking a comeback, Manziel moved to the CFL, signing with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in 2018 before being traded to the Montreal Alouettes. His time in the CFL was short-lived; he played one season, completing 106 of 165 passes for 1,290 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions, and rushed for 215 yards.
The CFL terminated Manziel’s contract in February 2019 for violating the terms of his agreement, effectively banning him from the league.
Following his CFL exit, Manziel joined the AAF, signing with the Memphis Express. His stint in the AAF was brief, as he played in only two games before the league abruptly ceased operations.
Relationship Status
Manziel is rumored to be dating Josie Canseco, the daughter of former MLB star Jose Canseco.
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This speculation arose after Josie Canseco posted a picture on her Instagram story that hinted at Johnny Manziel’s presence, based on a tattoo and friendship bracelet visible in the photo that matched Manziel’s.
Before this, Johnny Manziel was in a relationship with Kenzie Werner, a social media influencer and micro-blading artist, with whom he reportedly started dating in 2022.
Controversies
In 2016, he was suspended for four games by the NFL for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.
His partying habits and admission to rehab in 2015 for drug and alcohol treatment were widely covered in the media.
Manziel himself admitted to developing a cocaine addiction during his NFL career, which contributed to his substance abuse struggles.
Manziel faced legal issues, including a misdemeanor assault charge in a domestic violence case involving his ex-girlfriend, Colleen Crowley. The incident allegedly involved Manziel hitting Crowley, leading to her temporary loss of hearing in one ear.
However, Manziel reached a dismissal agreement after completing an anger management course, which resulted in the formal charge being dropped.
TV and Film
Manziel appeared in an episode of Netflix’s UNTOLD anthology series, Johnny Football, which premiered on August 8, 2023.
Johnny Manziel’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Johnny Manziel’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million.
Salary and Earnings
The Cleveland Browns drafted Manziel in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. His rookie contract was a 4-year deal worth $8,248,596, including a $4,318,980 signing bonus and $7,998,596 guaranteed.
Over his two seasons with the Browns, Manziel earned a total of $7,707,913.
His NFL career was short-lived, however, and he was released by the Browns in 2016.
Endorsements
At the peak of his career, Manziel secured endorsement deals, including a notable contract with Nike. These deals, combined with his salary, contributed significantly to his earnings. However, some of these endorsements were short-lived due to his off-field issues.
His total career pre-tax earnings from salary and endorsements amounted to approximately $18 million.
NFL Career Stats
| Year | Team | Games Played (GP) | Games Started (GS) | Passing Attempts (ATT) | Passing Completions (CMP) | Completion Percentage (CMP%) | Passing Yards (YDS) | Yards Per Game (YDS/G) | Passing Touchdowns (TD) | Interceptions (INT) | Passer Rating (RATE) | Rushing Attempts (RUSH ATT) | Rushing Yards (RUSH YDS) | Rushing Touchdowns (RUSH TD) | Fumbles (FUM) | Fumbles Lost (LOST) |
| 2014 | CLE | 5 | 2 | 35 | 18 | 51.4% | 175 | 35.00 | 0 | 2 | 42.0 | 9 | 29 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 2015 | CLE | 9 | 6 | 223 | 129 | 57.8% | 1,500 | 166.67 | 7 | 5 | 79.4 | 37 | 230 | 0 | 6 | 3 |
| Total | 14 | 8 | 258 | 147 | 57.0% | 1,675 | 119.64 | 7 | 7 | 74.4 | 46 | 259 | 1 | 7 | 4 |
Career Highlights
- Heisman Trophy (2012)
- Davey O’Brien Award (2012)
- Manning Award (2012)
- AP College Football Player of the Year (2012)
- SN Player of the Year (2012)
- Consensus All-American (2012)
- SEC Offensive Player of the Year (2012)
- 2× First-team All-SEC (2012, 2013)
- Texas A&M Hall of Fame
FAQs
1. Who is Johnny Manziel?
Johnny Manziel is a former professional football quarterback, nicknamed “Johnny Football.” He gained fame as a standout college player at Texas A&M University, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 2012 as a freshman. He played two seasons in the NFL for the Cleveland Browns and later joined alternative football leagues.
2. What were Johnny Manziel’s achievements in college football?
Manziel set numerous records at Texas A&M, including being the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy. He amassed 4,600 total offensive yards in 2012, led Texas A&M to victories over top-ranked teams like Alabama, and earned awards such as the Davey O’Brien and Manning Awards.
3. Why did Johnny Manziel’s NFL career fail?
Manziel’s NFL career struggled due to inconsistent performance and off-field issues, including substance abuse and legal troubles. Drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2014, he was released after two seasons and did not return to the NFL.
4. What teams did Johnny Manziel play for after leaving the NFL?
After his NFL stint, Manziel played for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League (CFL), Memphis Express in the Alliance of American Football (AAF), and Fan Controlled Football from 2021 to 2022.
5. What is Johnny Manziel’s legacy at Texas A&M University?
Manziel is considered a legend at Texas A&M, holding over 25 school records and being inducted into the Texas A&M Athletic Hall of Fame in 2022. His performances helped elevate the program’s national profile during his tenure.
6. How has Johnny Manziel addressed his personal struggles?
Manziel has publicly acknowledged his battles with substance abuse and mental health issues. He has sought recovery and shared his journey to sobriety, aiming to rebuild his life after football.
7. What was Johnny Manziel’s most iconic college football moment?
One of his most memorable moments was leading Texas A&M to a victory over No. 1 Alabama in 2012. He accounted for 345 yards of offense and solidified his status as a top player that season.
8. Did Johnny Manziel win any awards besides the Heisman Trophy?
Yes, he won several awards during his freshman year, including the Davey O’Brien Award, Manning Award, SEC Freshman of the Year Award, and College Football Performance National Freshman of the Year Award.
9. What controversies have surrounded Johnny Manziel?
Manziel faced multiple controversies, including substance abuse violations, domestic violence allegations, and legal issues. These incidents contributed to his early exit from professional football.
10. Where is Johnny Manziel now?
Manziel has shifted focus away from football and appeared on reality TV while continuing his recovery journey. He remains involved with Texas A&M events and occasionally makes public appearances.
