Roger Staubach compares Johnny Manziel to Russell Wilson

By Evan Massey | Apr 12, 2015

Dec 21, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) prepares to throw the ball during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Hall of Fame NFL quarterback Roger Staubach compared Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel to Seattle Seahawks‘ star quarterback Russell Wilson.

A lot has been made about the rehab stint that Cleveland Browns second-year quarterback Johnny Manziel had to go through this offseason after struggling off-the-field in his rookie season last year. He has always gotten in trouble for being a party animal, and was highly criticized in college at Texas A&M for the same issues. The fact that he decided to get help is a plus, but there are already quite a few that have given up on him in Cleveland.

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One person that hasn’t given up on the troubled young quarterback is NFL Hall of Famer Roger Staubach. He still thinks Manziel can become a star in the NFL, and actually went as far as to compare his game to that of Seattle Seahawks star quarterback Russell Wilson.

“If he really truly gets his life back on track, his talent is Russell Wilson-type talent,” Staubach said. “So size isn’t the overwhelming issue for him when you have Russell and Drew Brees winning Super Bowls at the same size.”

Staubach also talked about the mental side of the game, which is one of Manziel’s biggest issues.

“You have to be mentally tough and you have got to be a leader. And you have to transfer that to your teammates,” Staubach said. “And I think Johnny lost the confidence of his teammates because of his personal issues. He has to get that back.”

During his rookie season in 2014, Manziel ended up throwing for just 175 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions. He did find the end zone one time by scampering into the end zone from 10 yards out against the Buffalo Bills before he got his first two career starts.

There is no denying the similarities between Manziel and Wilson’s size, but for Staubach to come out and say something like that reflects very well on Manziel. He has the ability to extend plays with his athleticism and the arm to make throws down the field. That being said, he didn’t show those qualities in his rookie season.

At 22 years old, it is time for Manziel to grow up and either prove that he is a capable NFL starter or end up being labeled as a major bust. That is a lot of pressure for a young quarterback to have on his shoulders, but the Browns don’t have time to waste on him. It is going to be a make or break season for Manziel in 2015, and it will be interesting to see whether or not he steps up and takes control of the starting quarterback job.

[H/T Pro Football Talk]

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