It’s the end of an era. In his first public comments since a 10-week rehab stint in Pennsylvania, Cleveland Browns quarterback extraordinaire Johnny Manziel announced on Wednesday that he is retiring his trademark money celebration.
Addressing the media at the Browns’ training facility in Berea, Ohio, the 22-year-old officially declared the demise of the infamous sign.
Manziel: The “money sign” will not be back
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) June 17, 2015
That’s right, folks. Money Manziel is no more. It’ll be like Michelangelo without his paintbrush, Slash without his top hat, Dirty Harry without his .44 Magnum.
Well maybe not quite. But the celebration was still a mainstay for Johnny Football ever since his Heisman days at the College Station for Texas A&M and this new, defanged version of the Browns QB will take some getting used to.
The money sign is the latest casualty of Manziel’s attempt this offseason to remake his image and become less of a distraction both on and off the field. The quarterback was also openly critical of his rookie year performance during Wednesday’s presser.
Manziel: "Last year was in my mind for me personally a disaster. I didn’t come out and perform.” #Browns
— PatMcManamon (@PatMcManamon) June 17, 2015
Manziel: "I think at times Johnny Football probably took over me a little bit too, and I bought into that.” #Browns
— PatMcManamon (@PatMcManamon) June 17, 2015
We’re inclined to agree with Manziel on that one based on his rookie year stats of 204 total yards from scrimmage, 0 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, and a 42.0 passer rating in just 5 appearances.
But at least Johnny Football’s effort to grow up and put his party boy image behind him is commendable. Now with the money sign dead and buried, maybe he can start fully focusing on the gridiron now. But with newcomer Josh McCown slated to open up the season for the Browns as the starting QB and with less-than-glowing reviews of his performance in Browns’ mini-camp, Manziel may still have his work cut out for him.
In last 11-on-11, Manziel dropped three snaps in six plays when he wasn't under center. Blew up every play #Browns
— PatMcManamon (@PatMcManamon) June 16, 2015
