When Johnny Manziel began to slip during the 2014 NFL Draft, many were convinced the Dallas Cowboys would select the popular quarterback.
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Of course, the Dallas Cowboys didn’t technically need Johnny Manziel considering they have Tony Romo under center and drafting the former Texas A&M product would have only created a mega quarterback controversy. But owner Jerry Jones wanted to pull the trigger. In fact, it was Jones’ son who had to step in and prevent his father from making the selection.
The elder Jones was so upset over the fact that he couldn’t draft Johnny Manziel, he suggested that not doing so will be a ‘ticket to parity’ as noted by ESPN.
“When we were on the clock, I said, if we pick the other guy — any other guy — it would be a ticket to parity, more 8-8 seasons,” Jones says. “The only way to break out is to gamble — take a chance with that first pick, if you wanna dramatically improve your team. That’s why I wanted Manziel, but I was the only guy who wanted him. I listened to everybody … and I’m … not … happy …”
While Johnny Manziel may end up being a very talented quarterback in the NFL, it’s difficult to suggest that he’d be the lone reason as to why the Dallas Cowboys would have achieved success. It’s also difficult to suggest that a player drafted instead of Manziel (offensive tackle Zack Martin) would be the reason as to why the Cowboys would be stuck in parity.
What could have been, we’ll never know, though it sounds like Jerry is still unhappy over it.