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Johnny Manziel and Paul Finebaum take the high road, bury the hatchet

ByPatrick Schmidt|
COLLEGE STATION, TX - NOVEMBER 09: Johnny Manziel #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies waits on the field before the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Kyle Field on November 9, 2013 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
COLLEGE STATION, TX - NOVEMBER 09: Johnny Manziel #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies waits on the field before the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Kyle Field on November 9, 2013 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

Johnny Manziel and Paul Finebaum make amends.

Paul Finebaum and Johnny Manziel haven’t always seen things eye-to-eye but after the former Texas A&M quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner revealed he’s taking corrective steps to combat his bipolar diagnosis, it appears the two have put any animosity aside.

Manziel revealed he was diagnosed as bipolar last summer in an interview that aired on Monday’s episode of Good Morning America. Manziel said he was in a really dark place before his diagnosis and his off-field behavior saw his NFL career end after only two years removed from being a first round pick of the Cleveland Browns. Manziel went 2-6 in his eight career starts in his first and only two years in the NFL and it’s likely his NFL career is long over.

But Manziel is focused on the next stage of his life and that’s being happy and in a good place mentally after a long period where he wasn’t. You can watch the interview with GMA below.

While Manziel made for an easy punching bag in recent years for his self-destructive behavior, that takes on a considerably different tone in light of his revelation. He’s not a punchline, he’s a sympathetic figure that many people facing similar mental health issues can look to as a beacon of support.

One of the most prominent Manziel critics, dating back to his time at Texas A&M is SEC Network host and college football commentator Paul Finebaum. Today, Finebaum shared he appreciated his candor in the interview and the way he handled himself. He’s already heard from many suffering from the same disease on the show who are being helped simply by Manziel speaking out.

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Manziel replied to Finebaum saying he used to harbor a lot of dislike in his heart for him but he’s learned to let go of those dark feelings and focus on his health and was appreciative of Finebaum’s words of support.

Let me be the latest to join Finebaum and a slew of others to offer my support to Manziel.

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