Free-agent quarterback Johnny Manziel confirmed on his Twitter page that he will be joining the NFL's Spring League in Austin, Texas, on March 28. "Football has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. Sometimes you take for granted how much you value something until it's gone. My goal is to make it back to the NFL and I realize I have to earn that privilege," Manziel said in a statement released by the developmental league. The polarizing QB hasn't played since 2015 with the Browns. He battled depression and bipolar disorder. It's great to see Manziel sobered up and trying to get back into football, but he's a long shot to make it back to the NFL and become a starter once again.
Free-agent quarterback Johnny Manziel said he is sober and hopes "to get back to the NFL," speaking on Good Morning America. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder last year, Manziel said he was "self-medicating" with alcohol, but he appears to be in a much better place now. "I am taking medication for bipolar, and I am working to try to make sure I don't fall back into any type of depression," Manziel said, "because I know where that leads me and I know how slippery a slope that is for me." Manziel has "a lot of confidence" he will be able to stay on the right track, but he admits the road ahead is difficult. "I am coming back from a huge downfall," Manziel said. "I don't know what kind of comeback it will be, but I know I want to get back on a football field, to what brought me so much joy in my life." Manziel has been out of the league since 2015.
Free-agent quarterback Johnny Manziel has rehired agent Erik Burkhardt to help him make a comeback in the NFL, and Manziel is drawing "real interest from teams" at this week's NFL scouting combine. Manziel has had all kinds of off-the-field problems and was suspended for four games last year for a substance-abuse violation. He also was accused of hitting and threatening his former girlfriend. Manziel, a first-round pick in 2014, made only eight starts for Cleveland and has been a colossal bust in the league. If teams are indeed looking at him, it's likely as a potential backup quarterback that'll be given a look in training camp. It remains a long shot that he can re-emerge in the NFL.
Johnny Manziel
• QB
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Eagles
