Fansided

Report: Johnny Manziel will volunteer for drug testing

By Gerald Bourguet

Dec 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) on the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) on the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

According to a report, Johnny Manziel will volunteer for drug testing as he tries to prove to NFL teams his comeback is for real.

It might be time to start taking Johnny Manziel’s comeback attempt seriously.

Though Johnny Football’s time in the NFL was marred by problems with alcohol abuse and failed stints in rehab, it appears as though he’s ready to take the necessary — and even unnecessary — steps to get back on the football field.

According to Alex Marvez of Sporting News, Manziel will volunteer for drug testing, letting teams know he’s serious about staying sober and returning to the NFL.

Manziel doesn’t have to volunteer since he’s not currently signed by any team, and even if he were signed by a team, he’d only be subject to random drug tests. By willingly volunteering a clean sample, Manziel is backing up his words and being proactive about proving his life is back on the right track.

Last year, Manziel was suspended four games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. He was released by the Cleveland Browns last March. In 15 games at quarterback for the Browns over two seasons, Johnny Football completed 147 of his 258 pass attempts (57.0 percent) and recorded seven touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also added one rushing TD.

Manziel is sober now — without the help of a rehab program — and has been saying all the right things recently, saying he’d treat a preseason opportunity like the Super Bowl if he were given another chance. He’s also been working with George Whitfield, a quarterback tutor, to get back in football shape.

The road back to the NFL could be a long one for the former Texas A&M star, especially since he wasn’t exactly the most effective professional during his time in Cleveland. He also could face punishment for a domestic violence incident with his ex-girlfriend before returning to the field, even if he is signed by a team.

Next: Every NFL Team's Biggest Draft Whiff Of All-Time

However, after many feared Manziel’s problems with alcohol would kill him, this is a promising step in the right direction. It may not lead back to the NFL, but at least Johnny Football is on the right path to recovery.

Home/NFL