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Johnny Manziel takes first step to regaining trust; attends Browns voluntary workouts

By Josh Criswell

Dec 21, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) on the sidelines in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) on the sidelines in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Johnny Manziel has vowed to be a better teammate, and he his letting his actions do the talking by appearing today at the Cleveland Browns’ voluntary conditioning workouts. 

It was no surprise when Johnny Manziel appeared at the Cleveland Browns voluntary conditioning session today, but it was absolutely a necessary step he had to take in the long road to regaining the trust of his teammates.

Manziel’s appearance at the Browns’ facility was the first time joining his teammates since the 22-year old quarterback returned from a recent stint in rehab. It was expected for Manziel to appear at the workouts, but regardless, it is a step in the right direction after a rookie season that was tumultuous at best and an utter disaster at worst.

The final straw and wake up call for Manziel appeared to occur when he was handed down a one-game suspension to end the 2014 season. After throwing away the team’s playoff hopes by being completely unprepared when given the starting job late in the season, the controversial rookie missed a team meeting. Browns personnel went to Manziel’s residence to check on him, and found their quarterback of the future in a drunken stupor from a party he threw the night before.

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The former Heisman winner knew that he needed help, and sought it out himself. You have to give the young man tremendous credit for doing this on his own accord, something not many 22-year olds under such scrutiny would have the strength to do.

During his only statement to the media since his release from rehab, Manziel admitted a well-known sentiment, that he must become a better, and more committed teammate.

"“I take full responsibility for my actions and it’s my intention to work very hard to regain everyone’s trust and respect,” Manziel said via NFL.com. “I understand that will take time and will only happen through what I do and not what I say.”"

He also went on to say that he is looking forward to being able to see his Browns teammates again this week. While the decision to check into rehab was great for Manziel, it will be his actions on the football field and inside the locker room that will ultimately be the only thing that can win back the trust and respect of his teammates.

Until he does so, Manziel will never be able to command the Cleveland Browns, or any NFL huddle for that matter, but today was definitely a solid first step in the right direction for the troubled quarterback.

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