Johnny Manziel has received just as much criticism — if not more — for his off-field lifestyle since being drafted by the Cleveland Browns as he did during college. Johnny Football has been enjoying the offseason the only way he knows how, which means parties in Las Vegas and photos with models at nightclubs. And don’t expect it to change anytime soon.
Some of Manziel’s teammates have already admitted that the attention he receives can get annoying. Then there have been prominent former players like Joe Montana and Warren Moon who have basically recommended that Manziel tone it down. They might as well save their breath.
“I’m not going to change for anybody,” Manziel told reporters Friday, via Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “I’m going to enjoy my time off.”
Manziel added that he always appreciates the advice of Hall of Fame players, but he insists he has the balance of football and personal leisure under control. As long as he is doing what the team asks of him and is showing up to work prepared, the Browns probably have no issue with the pool parties and money phones.
That said, Manziel should still learn to watch his step. Whether his party-boy antics take away from his football preparedness or not, they can easily become a distraction to the team. Not only that, but part of being a professional athlete is adjusting — also known as changing — when you are told to. Manziel shouldn’t lose sight of that.
