Johnny Manziel once captured the national spotlight as one of the most electric quarterbacks in college football history. Nicknamed “Johnny Football,” he was known for his on-field magic, improvisational play style, and magnetic personality. After winning the Heisman Trophy and entering the NFL with enormous hype, his professional career took an unpredictable path filled with ups, downs, and headlines off the field. Now, fans often ask: what is Johnny Manziel doing now? This article explores his current pursuits, personal growth, and how he is redefining his life beyond the NFL.
Early Stardom at Texas A&M
Johnny Manziel burst onto the college football scene in 2012 as the starting quarterback for Texas A&M. That same season, he made history by becoming the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy. His performance that year was spectacular—he passed for over 3,700 yards and rushed for more than 1,400, electrifying crowds and dominating headlines.
Manziel’s swagger, coupled with his elite athleticism, made him a household name. He beat powerhouse teams, shattered records, and became a symbol of modern, dual-threat quarterback play. However, his rising fame also brought scrutiny, particularly regarding his off-field behavior.
Entry into the NFL and Short-Lived Career
Johnny Manziel declared for the NFL Draft after his sophomore season. In 2014, he was selected in the first round (22nd overall) by the Cleveland Browns. Expectations were sky-high, and fans hoped he would be the quarterback to finally turn the struggling franchise around.
Unfortunately, his time in the NFL was turbulent. Manziel struggled with the transition to professional football, both on and off the field. He played in just two seasons, starting only eight games and showing inconsistent performance.
His time with the Browns was marred by missed meetings, off-field controversies, and concerns about his dedication to the game. By 2016, he was released by the team and found himself out of the NFL entirely.
Personal Challenges and Self-Reflection
Following his NFL exit, Johnny Manziel faced several personal and legal challenges. These included high-profile incidents, court appearances, and a growing concern about his mental health. In candid interviews, Manziel later revealed that he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a condition that had contributed to many of his struggles.
He admitted to dealing with depression and substance abuse and eventually sought professional help. His honesty marked a turning point in how he was perceived publicly—from a cautionary tale to someone working hard to rebuild his life.
Manziel’s transparency about mental health has helped destigmatize the topic within the sports world. He has since become an advocate for mental health awareness, often encouraging others to seek help without shame.
What is Johnny Manziel Doing Now?
Johnny Manziel is no longer playing in the NFL, but he has remained involved in football and personal development through several avenues. Today, he is focused on wellness, entrepreneurship, and reconnecting with the sport on his own terms.
Playing in Alternative Football Leagues
Since leaving the NFL, Manziel has played in a variety of alternative leagues, including:
- The Canadian Football League (CFL) – He briefly joined the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and later the Montreal Alouettes in 2018.
- The Alliance of American Football (AAF) – In 2019, he played for the Memphis Express before the league folded.
- Fan Controlled Football (FCF) – In 2021, Manziel joined the FCF, a startup league that allows fans to call plays in real-time. He played for the Zappers and used the platform as a way to reconnect with fans and enjoy the game without the pressure of the NFL.
These stints were less about reigniting a professional comeback and more about embracing football in a fun and less intense environment.
Focus on Mental Health and Personal Growth
Manziel has emphasized the importance of mental health in interviews and public statements. He continues to speak openly about his journey with bipolar disorder and how therapy and support systems have helped him regain control of his life.
He maintains a routine that supports his well-being, including regular fitness, mindfulness practices, and staying close to friends and family. His message now is one of resilience and recovery rather than stardom.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Outside of football, Johnny Manziel has dipped into entrepreneurship. He has launched branded merchandise and collaborated with companies in the sports and lifestyle space. While not heavily publicized, his business endeavors reflect a shift from athlete to public figure and entrepreneur.
He has also been linked to podcast appearances, interviews, and media features that focus more on his life story, not just his athletic career. These platforms have allowed him to reframe his narrative and offer advice to young athletes facing similar challenges.
Public Perception and Changing Image
Johnny Manziel’s image has undergone a major transformation. Once seen as reckless and immature, he is now viewed as someone who has faced adversity and taken responsibility for past mistakes. While some critics remain skeptical, many fans have embraced his redemption arc.
His honesty about mental health and personal growth has earned him renewed respect, particularly among those who appreciate his candid approach. Rather than chasing headlines, Manziel now prioritizes peace, stability, and authenticity.
Relationship with Football Today
While Manziel has made it clear that a return to the NFL is not part of his plan, he remains passionate about the sport. He still trains, attends events, and stays connected to players and coaches. Football remains a part of his identity—but no longer defines it entirely.
In his own words, he now plays “just for the love of the game,” not for money or fame. That shift has allowed him to reconnect with the joy and simplicity of the sport that once brought him national fame.
Personal Life and Relationships
Johnny Manziel was previously married to Bre Tiesi, but the couple eventually divorced. He has since kept his personal life relatively private, focusing on self-care and rebuilding trust with those closest to him.
He spends much of his time in Texas and occasionally travels for speaking engagements, events, and media appearances. His lifestyle today is grounded in reflection and purpose, far removed from the chaos of his early twenties.
Future Aspirations
Looking forward, Manziel appears interested in sharing his story through books, documentaries, or motivational speaking. He has hinted at future projects that could inspire others going through tough times.
While coaching has not been confirmed, some believe he could one day mentor young quarterbacks or serve in a leadership role in an alternative league. His experiences—both triumphant and painful—could provide invaluable guidance to future athletes.
Conclusion
So, what is Johnny Manziel doing now? He’s forging a new path—one built not on Heisman trophies or NFL fame, but on honesty, personal growth, and gratitude. Whether playing in fan-led leagues or advocating for mental health awareness, Manziel has embraced a more grounded and meaningful chapter of life.
His journey serves as both a cautionary tale and a story of resilience. Once defined by headlines and expectations, Johnny Manziel is now defining himself—on his own terms.
FAQs
What is Johnny Manziel doing now?
Johnny Manziel is focused on personal wellness, mental health advocacy, and participating in alternative football leagues like Fan Controlled Football.
Is Johnny Manziel playing football professionally?
He is no longer in the NFL but has played in leagues such as the CFL, AAF, and Fan Controlled Football for personal enjoyment and fan engagement.
Did Johnny Manziel speak about his mental health?
Yes, he has publicly shared his diagnosis of bipolar disorder and has become an advocate for mental health awareness and treatment.
Will Johnny Manziel return to the NFL?
No, Manziel has stated he is not pursuing a return to the NFL and is content playing football recreationally.
What else is Johnny Manziel doing besides football?
He is involved in entrepreneurship, podcast appearances, and sharing his story through interviews and potential future projects like books or speaking engagements.