5 reasons the Browns should not give up on Johnny Manziel
By Dani Bostick
Cleveland Browns Johnny Manziel has become one of the most polarizing quarterbacks in the NFL.
It seems like an eternity since Johnny Manziel was the darling of college football, the Texas A&M phenom with bright prospects for NFL stardom.
Even as a college student, Manziel’s image as a golden boy was very short-lived. After becoming the first freshman to win the Heisman trophy in 2012, Manziel began to draw negative attention for purported NCAA violations, an offseason arrest for disorderly conduct, and a general air of obnoxious arrogance.
Though Manziel’s problems were initially thought to be a function of his new-found fame, he has had trouble making the transition to the NFL. After a 2015 stint in rehab, Manziel returned to the Browns, claiming he was a new man. His problems have continued throughout the season, however.
Early in the season, Manziel received media attention for an argument with his girlfriend that resulted in police intervention. Later in the season, a video surfaced of him consuming alcohol during his team’s bye week. After that incident, the Browns benched him, a move reminiscent of a parent grounding an impetuous teenager.
Already at the end of his second NFL season, analysts and even his own coaching staff are less inclined to excuse his behavior as youthful indiscretion and are increasingly fed up with the talented quarterback.
After Christmas, Manziel appeared in a short video in which he appears to be drinking an alcoholic energy beverage. Coach Mike Pettine was not happy, saying, “Any time there’s something with our players that casts them potentially in a bad light, whether it’s Johnny or any of our other guys, it’s certainly a concern.”
Is there a place for Manziel on the Browns squad or even in the NFL? Here are five reasons why he is worth a gamble.
Next: 5. Treatment for alcoholism can be an ongoing process