Johnny Manziel’s comeback starts in the CFL with Tiger-Cats
Johnny Manziel is back on the gridiron and his success in the Canadian Football League will dictate his future.
Manziel signed a two-year contract with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League on Saturday. This is an important step in the right direction for the former Heisman Trophy winner, whose ultimate goal is to return to the NFL.
Playing in the CFL will help Manziel get more exposure, compared to playing in any other football league, such as “The Spring League.” Games are broadcasted in the United States and NFL teams will be watching closely. He will have an opportunity to win back fans, who thought his football career was dead.
Made the decision today to sign my contract with the CFL and further my football career after a long break. Very grateful for everyone that’s been supporting me along the way. I believe this is the best opportunity for me moving forward and I’m eager for what the future holds.
— Johnny Manziel (@JManziel2) May 19, 2018
He will be able to showcase his skill set, display his leadership qualities and most importantly prove to organizations that he is a changed man.
Manziel’s decision to play in the CFL should be a strong indication to teams that he is willing to do whatever it takes to return to the NFL. The move shows Manziel is finally putting his ego aside and displaying his commitment to a comeback.
There are former NFL quarterbacks that wanted nothing to do with the CFL like Tim Tebow and Colin Kaepernick. On the contrary, quarterbacks like Warren Moon, Doug Flutie and Joe Theismann made the most of their opportunity in Canada.
Despite instantaneously becoming the leagues most prominent player, before even playing a down, Manziel will need to prove himself.
"“Let me tell you something right now he’s got his work ahead to beat our Jeremiah (Masoli),” Tiger-Cats coach June Jones said. “He’s got a lot to catch up on, but he’ll spend the time to get that done. I know he will because he’s already learned that lesson.”"
Even though the Tiger Cats finished 6-12 last season, Masoli threw for 3,177 yards, 15 touchdowns and only five interceptions.
Like anything in life, there will be a learning curve. The rules and pace of play in the CFL are much different compared to the NFL. Manziel will need to work just has hard on the field as off the field, if he intends to play.
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Everything Manziel does from here on out will be heavily scrutinized, something he should be used to by now. He will have a very thin margin for error and one slip up will be the end of Johnny Football. But, this is his chance to show how much this sport means to him.
“#ComebackSZN,” is in full effect. It won’t be easy and it won’t happen overnight. But, it’s a great first step, as Manziel attempts to resurrect his pro football career.