Johnny Manziel played in a competitive football game for the first time since 2015 when he made his Spring League debut on Saturday, and his stat line was not overwhelming. However, it sounds like Manziel impressed many of the people who matter.
Manziel completed 9-of-15 passes for 83 yards and a touchdown, but he also took three sacks in only two quarters. Poor protection had a lot to do with that, and his best play of the game came when he threw a touchdown pass on the run.
QB Johnny Manziel's (@Jmanziel2) rolling throw to Antwan Goodley in the corner of the end zone for six is Game 2's Play of the Game! #TheSpringLeague pic.twitter.com/mjwTF9dHFd
— The Spring League (@TheSpringLeague) April 8, 2018
That particular play reminded us of the Manziel who won a Heisman Trophy at Texas A&M, and apparently some NFL executives agreed.
Checked with several teams this morning about Manziel’s subpar performance yesterday. There is still NFL interest in him.
Unfreakingbelievable.
And by unfreakingbelievable I mean totally believable.— mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL) April 8, 2018
The word I keep hearing from NFL execs is “potential.” They think Manziel’s potential is off the charts.
But I just don’t see it.— mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL) April 8, 2018
The one thing Manziel has on his side is time. While it feels like he ruined his NFL career ages ago, he’s still just 25. It will always be difficult for teams to look past some of the things Manziel put the Browns through, but he could conceivably get an invitation to training camp or sign with the CFL and prove himself further.
