Cowboys owner Jerry Jones proud of himself for passing on Johnny Manziel
By Sam Richmond
Dallas Cobowys owner Jerry Jones revealed in an ESPN.com profile published Thursday that he wanted to draft now-Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel in the 2014 NFL Draft, but ultimately didn’t follow his desires because others advised against the move. The Cowboys then drafted offensive guard Zack Martin with the No. 16 pick.
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Jones is quoted as saying “I’m … not … happy” about the decision in the piece, but it appears the Cowboys owner has had a change of heart and is now pleased with the decision.
From DallasCowboys.com:
"In the story, Jones said “I get madder, every day” about not picking Manziel, the mercurial Heisman Trophy winner from Texas A&M. Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones is given the lion’s share of the credit for the less-flashy selection of Martin – something Jerry Jones said he appreciates.“Well, that was a little tongue in cheek with it, but I’m still mad at him,” he said. “I think I’m proud of that decision right now, and I’m proud I was a good listener.”"
Still, it doesn’t appear as if this is a shot at Manziel as much as it is praise of Martin. Jones spoke very highly about Manziel and what he can do at the NFL-level.
"“The reason you take Manziel is to win. We’ve talked a lot about the cache. We’ve talked a lot about the visibility,” he said. “But I don’t think anybody has to back into the fact that this guy is a winner. He’s a proven winner and high competition. And so I wouldn’t distinguish any conversation I’m having about taking him or not taking him with the idea that if we have him he’ll help us win.”"
Manziel will start the season as the Browns’ backup quarterback behind Brian Hoyer.