It’s not exactly a secret NFL analyst and former running back Merril Hoge isn’t a fan of Cleveland Browns quarterback, Johnny Manziel.
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Hoge seemingly went out of way to blast the former Texas A&M signal caller prior to the NFL Draft, suggesting that he was going to become a bust and whomever wasted a draft pick on him would come to regret such.
We won’t know if such a sentiment will ring true for a few more seasons at least, though it appears Merril Hoge is still on the warpath regarding his distaste of Manziel.
Appearing on a Pittsburgh radio station, Hoge ripped the Cleveland Browns quarterback suggesting that Johnny Manziel is a ‘juvenile punk’ and suggested he has no place in the NFL.
"Hoge added Manziel has no quality that translates to being a first-round draft pick.He even referred to Manziel as a “juvenile punk,” as evidenced by his text to Browns quarterback coach Dowell Loggains on draft night that he wanted to join the Browns and “wreck this league,” though the actual language was more profane."
Was Hoge’s irritation with Johnny Manziel simply due to his off-field antics? Apparently not as the analyst began to break down what the quarterback did wrong throughout the preseason, blasting not only his decision making but also physical skills like a lack of NFL-needed arm strength.
"He also criticized Manziel’s arm, saying it’s not strong and that against the Bears he could not throw a deep corner."
Hoge, who of course played for the Pittsburgh Steelers (who open the season against Manzeil’s Browns) suggested the Rooney family (owner of the Steelers) would have never drafted a player like Johnny Manziel.
Yikes.