Art Briles apparently wasn’t the only controversial figure the CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats were interested in bringing in this season, as the team reportedly worked out former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel last week.
According to TSN, the Tiger-Cats worked Manziel out during their bye week on Aug. 23 and Aug. 24 and put him through “a series of physical and medical tests.” Apparently the former Heisman Trophy winner did not pass all of them.
“Too many red flags,” a source told TSN.
The report goes on to say that the Tiger-Cats were hopeful they would learn Manziel has put his off-field troubles in the past and is dedicated to playing football again. They did not feel that is the case, and they were also unimpressed with his physical condition.
The answer to those questions was a resounding no, according to sources. Among other concerns, the Ticats were not convinced Manziel is in in game shape or that his off-field regiment is consistent with that of someone dedicated to professional football.
According to a source, the Ticats plan to keep Manziel on their negotiation list. Should his agent declare that Manziel is ready to sign a contract to come to Hamilton, the Tiger-Cats would have 10 days to either sign him or trade his rights to another CFL team.
If Manziel can’t even get a CFL team to take a chance on him, that is just further evidence that his NFL career is all but over. The 24-year-old recently expressed interest in pursuing another career path in sports, and he may be better off focusing on that.
