Johnny Football (1 Viewer)

[Steve Tasker]

Jm wants to be a 20 year old kid and make mistakes. That's fine, go nuts. But here's the thing: he's NOT a regularly 20 year old any more. He thinks this is pressure? Justin beiber, Bryce Harper, Drake, Taylor swift, Anthony Davis...those are people his age who never ever ever get to turn it off. And all of them find ways to not complain about how demanding everyone is of them.

The thing that makes Manziel different is that his stardom exploded almost overnight. All of the people you've mentioned above are people who've been effectively groomed for stardom. Taylor Swift and Drake have been famous for years (Drake was even an actor on Canadian TV before musical fame). Anthony Davis was ranked #1-2 out of HS by several major scouting publications. Bryce Harper has been touted as the next big superstar since he was like 16.

Johnny Manziel was a virtual unknown to probably close to 99% of Americans even going into last football season. He was living his life - and appears to still be doing so - like an anonymous college kid would. The only problem is that he's no longer an anonymous college kid, and everything he does is scrutinized. And it looks to me like he's having trouble handling it. I would probably have trouble handling it too. If you really think about it, he hasn't even been a "star" for a full year. I'm willing to give him a little bit of a pass until he grows up. If he's still pulling these same stunts at 24-25 when he's presumably trying to make an NFL career out of it, I'd be more willing to cast stones at him,

That's fair. And I don't particularly care that he's a whiner and a drunk and hates the attention. It's his life to live as he wants. I'm just pointing out that a lot of these "problems" are a result of his behavior and not the other way around. Complaining because the cops don't give you special attention when you've violated a statute? That isn't a result of overnight popularity. That's just being a s Doosh.

I read the parking ticket thing completely differently, I think - I read it as the cops giving him special treatment that he didn't want. It sounded to me like he had his car parked illegally, which should just result in a parking ticket and the cops will move along. But given his local celebrity status (and it sounds like he has a pretty recognizable car), the cops knew whose car it was. So instead of just writing him a ticket and leaving, they knocked on his door to "give him a chance to move the car", which really means they wanted to feign being shocked when, gosh, it turns out that was Johnny Football's car! Maybe he can sign a few autographs and we can forget this whole thing even happened!! If it's Joe Smith, TAMU college student, the cops write the ticket and move on.

 

[Abraham]

That's possible as well. I kind of thought it was the cops saying "most college kids would rather not have to pay a ticket. Lets give the kid a chance to move the car." I handnt considered the way you wrote it.

At the same time, that incident could have been avoided had he simply parked his car correctly in the first place. His reaction reads like the stress of the whole thing was someone else's fault when, in reality, the police don't wake him from his beauty sleep of he follows the law.

Furthermore, I assume the university pays for the police to drive him home after games. That's ridiculous and only feeds the beast. There have been lots of famous college football players that figured out how to get back home after games without a police escort.

 

[B-Deep]

This kid plays good football this season and all will be forgotten.

I actually think its the other way around. If he wants everyone to leave him alone a 7-5 season should do the trick.

He became Johnny Football because of his style of play and individual and team results, not his off the field behavior. The team results likely change, but I don't see his style of play or individual results changing.

So that just weeds out the TMZs and the ESPN reporters who want to be on TMZ...and brings the coverage back to the level of Heisman winner and star QB...which will still be big.

He became Johnny football when he bobbled the snap and then threw a touchdown against Alabama on the way to winning the game. Prior to that he was part of the football conversation like a dozen other players. Guys that fill the stat line happen every year. guys with a signature play against the best team in the Country on national tv? not so much. The mythology was created that day. And all it will take for that to change is a couple bad performances on national tv. Our attention span is short and eventually we tire of the sports stories out there and go looking for another. Same as it ever was.

Agree...he became a star on the field. I'm not sure why anyone believes his on the field brilliance will change much....and if it doesn't and the team goes 9-3...he's still a star. The mythology will still be there for sports fans and media, who won't leave him alone.

IT may not, but there are plenty of reasons it could

his new celebrity status has certainly gotten in his head, will that impact his focus effort or concentration in practice and on the field? Non of us can know

It also seems his family has a feud with the school, which could be a distraction

and finally it is clear he wants out at the end of this year, which means he has to match last year, there is a TON more pressure on him, who knows how he will react.

 

[Abraham]

He also lost his tackle and his offensive coordinator.

 

[matuski]

He also lost his tackle and his offensive coordinator.

This is huge imo. Like I said.. all that matters is September 14th. On that day he remains a hero or becomes a zero.

 

[Abraham]

He also lost his tackle and his offensive coordinator.

This is huge imo. Like I said.. all that matters is September 14th. On that day he remains a hero or becomes a zero.

Agree. 100%

 

[gump]

This kid plays good football this season and all will be forgotten.

I actually think its the other way around. If he wants everyone to leave him alone a 7-5 season should do the trick.

He became Johnny Football because of his style of play and individual and team results, not his off the field behavior. The team results likely change, but I don't see his style of play or individual results changing.

So that just weeds out the TMZs and the ESPN reporters who want to be on TMZ...and brings the coverage back to the level of Heisman winner and star QB...which will still be big.

He became Johnny football when he bobbled the snap and then threw a touchdown against Alabama on the way to winning the game. Prior to that he was part of the football conversation like a dozen other players. Guys that fill the stat line happen every year. guys with a signature play against the best team in the Country on national tv? not so much. The mythology was created that day. And all it will take for that to change is a couple bad performances on national tv. Our attention span is short and eventually we tire of the sports stories out there and go looking for another. Same as it ever was.

Agree...he became a star on the field. I'm not sure why anyone believes his on the field brilliance will change much....and if it doesn't and the team goes 9-3...he's still a star. The mythology will still be there for sports fans and media, who won't leave him alone.

IT may not, but there are plenty of reasons it couldhis new celebrity status has certainly gotten in his head, will that impact his focus effort or concentration in practice and on the field? Non of us can know

It also seems his family has a feud with the school, which could be a distraction

and finally it is clear he wants out at the end of this year, which means he has to match last year, there is a TON more pressure on him, who knows how he will react.

All true, but there are several reasons to make me think he continues on where he left off in Jan. Soph season, experience, ton of offensive skill players back, another year with the same offense...he was a special player the last 1.5 months. Defense should be weaker too. Plenty of bad mo...but the good mo is getting over-looked some.

 

[Steve Tasker]

That's possible as well. I kind of thought it was the cops saying "most college kids would rather not have to pay a ticket. Lets give the kid a chance to move the car." I handnt considered the way you wrote it.

At the same time, that incident could have been avoided had he simply parked his car correctly in the first place. His reaction reads like the stress of the whole thing was someone else's fault when, in reality, the police don't wake him from his beauty sleep of he follows the law.

Furthermore, I assume the university pays for the police to drive him home after games. That's ridiculous and only feeds the beast. There have been lots of famous college football players that figured out how to get back home after games without a police escort.

Yes, right. There's no doubt that he brings a lot of this on himself with his behavior. I still read the police thing 100% differently than you did.

But I read that article and have followed the saga all year and really have yet to form a negative opinion about him. In the ESPN article, he comes off as an ultra-competitive, immature kid who may have a drinking problem. And when I was 20, the same could've been said about me and probably many of us on this site, minus all of the football talent. He comes off like a kid who was totally blindsided by his fame - he's used to being anonymous, posting pictures of himself at parties on Instagram, posting immature rants on Twitter, and having no one care. That's what kids do. I cringe to think about what my Facebook wall must look like if I were go back to 2007 when I was 20. There's no doubt that he hasn't really handled things with maturity, but it looks to me like he's struggling with the "new normal" more than anything. His life is NOT the same as it was a year ago, and it probably never will be again. I've seen really nothing about him whining about being famous

Maybe he is some ######## kid...I've never met him so I can't say. But I'm not going to crucify him over this whole story. If he does actually have a drinking problem, I hope he gets the help he needs....because it's probably going to get worse this fall when he and TAMU likely don't live up to last year.

 

[B-Deep]

throwing golf clubs is not ultra competitive, it is dooshy

 

[honky kong]

He also lost his tackle and his offensive coordinator.

On the flip side, it's his second year in the system. If history is any indication, his numbers will go up. As for the tackle, the guy replacing him would've been a first rounder had he come out, so he could do worse.

 

[honky kong]

Playing pretend NFL GM for a minute, I'd need to see him do it again on the field for the full 2013 season, including a bowl game, an all-star game if he announces, and the combine.

Do underclassmen play in all-star games?

 

[gump]

Playing pretend NFL GM for a minute, I'd need to see him do it again on the field for the full 2013 season, including a bowl game, an all-star game if he announces, and the combine.

Do underclassmen play in all-star games?

I believe Juniors who have been in school 4 years can now, but not Soph who've been in 3.

 

[Ilov80s]

The heisman trophy winner would be anonymous to anyone outside their college town?

I would argue that most heisman trophy winners are anonymous outside their town. At a minimum 100% of previous winners have dealt with all the "pressure" a lot better. I never saw the story about Cam Newton going to a fraternity party at Bama or Tebow hitting the road with Jay z. Jm wants to be a 20 year old kid and make mistakes. That's fine, go nuts. But here's the thing: he's NOT a regularly 20 year old any more. He thinks this is pressure? Justin beiber, Bryce Harper, Drake, Taylor swift, Anthony Davis...those are people his age who never ever ever get to turn it off. And all of them find ways to not complain about how demanding everyone is of them.

If Manziel doesn't like it so much he could quit playing football and it all goes away. He could go be a regular 20 year old like all the other kids at a and m.

Bieber, Swift and the rest are making millions and millions of dollars and living in a world surrounded by other rich, famous people. Manziel is odd because he is so famous, doesn't have millions or his own private mansion and is mostly surrounded by a bunch 20 year old college kids and is essentially the world's most famous college student. The media needs to get a life and leave him alone. The media is the immature and whiny entity here.

Also, some of the people you mentioned do stupid stuff. Bieber has gotten a few clubs in trouble for drinking at them. He pisses in mop buckets and defaces Bill Clinton's picture.

 

[culdeus]

Playing pretend NFL GM for a minute, I'd need to see him do it again on the field for the full 2013 season, including a bowl game, an all-star game if he announces, and the combine.

Do underclassmen play in all-star games?

No

 

[Raider Nation]

Former Ravens scout Daniel Jeremiah of the NFL Network asked 5 NFL GMs: "Does Johnny Manziel's game translate to NFL success?"

The attention given to Johnny Manziel's off-the-field activities has been overwhelming this summer. Everyone has an opinion about whether or not the Texas A&M quarterback's behavior will affect his NFL future.

As an evaluator of talent, I try to focus on actions on the field. My thoughts on the Heisman Trophy winner are documented on NFL Draft 365. I thought it would be interesting to take the temperature inside NFL front offices, so I reached out to five personnel executives within the league and posed this question:

Does Johnny Manziel have the skillset to be a successful NFL starting quarterback? Here are the results:

Executive No. 1: Manziel has the 'it' factor

"Yes. He's a playmaker. He has good vision, enough arm strength and good enough accuracy. Plus, he's a winner. He has a good level of that "it" factor. Also, it's worth noting that nobody in the SEC can tackle the guy."

Executive No. 2: Comparable to Wilson

"Yes. He has a surprisingly good arm. He has rare instincts and ad-lib ability. He reminds me of Russell Wilson."

Executive No. 3: He's no Vick

"No. He had the luxury of playing behind a great offensive line. I have concerns about his size, arm strength and durability. He's not nearly as talented as Michael Vick."

Executive No. 4: Arm, accuracy are problems

"No. He needs to really improve his arm strength and accuracy from the pocket."

Executive No. 5: He has 'rare instincts'

"Yes. He has rare instincts. He's not a precision passer but he has an incredible knack for making "off-schedule" throws. I love his toughness and charisma on the field. He can frustrate defenders and take over a game with his ability to make unorthodox plays."

Final verdict: Three yes votes, two no votes.

Conclusion: NFL evaluators are just as split on Manziel as the media and college football fans. All of these executives acknowledge he's not a "traditional" quarterback, in terms of size and style of play. However, some of them view that as a deterrent while others believe this is a new era and the old standards have changed.

One thing everyone can agree on: Opinions can change. Let's see what Johnny Football has in store for the 2013 college football season.

Funny to see the Vick comparison. I don't see that at all. I think he is a Flutie clone, but what the hell do I know.

 

[Raider Nation]

Bucky Brooks knows what's up.

While the college football world fell in love with Johnny Manziel in 2012, NFL analysts and scouts are having a harder time figuring out just how Manziel's game will translate to the pro ranks. Some experts, like ESPN's Mel Kiper, think Manziel has the talent to be a first-round pick as soon as next year should he leave Texas A&M that soon. But others, like former NFL player and scout Bucky Brooks, don't see Manziel's backyard style transitioning well to the NFL.

Brooks, now an analyst with NFL.com, wrote recently that Manziel projects as a "marginal pro" prospect because of his "unimpressive physical dimensions and unrefined game as a pocket passer." "Now, I know that the legions of Johnny Manziel fans will take exception to my assessment, but my opinion is based on the fact that elite NFL quarterback prospects possess three or four blue-chip traits (from a list that includes size, athleticism, arm talent, leadership skills, clutch factor, intelligence and pocket-passing skills) that validate their status as potential franchise players," Brooks wrote.

"I've studied the Texas A&M star's 2012 game tape, and I simply don't believe that he has enough of those qualities at this time to merit serious consideration as an elite quarterback prospect." While Brooks acknowledges that Manziel is an "extraordinary athlete," he worries about Manziel's lack of arm strength and ability to play within the pocket, something that scrambling quarterbacks have to do much more frequently in the NFL. And while Manziel had his share of clutch moments as a freshman, Brooks points out that he wasn't especially clutch in losses to Florida and LSU, two teams that managed to contain his running game.

Brooks also brushes off comparisons of Manziel to Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, saying Manziel is more reminiscent of Doug Flutie. "Flutie was an effective improvisational playmaker as a pro who could also play the game from the pocket," Brooks wrote. "After spending years refining his craft in the Canadian Football League, Flutie landed in the NFL and enjoyed a successful stint as a starting quarterback. Manziel will certainly get his chance, but I don't believe he is a top quarterback prospect at this time.

 

[bushdocda]

Oh no I agree with Bucky Brooks.

 

[gump]

I don't see how Manziel and Flutie are comparable in college. I guess you can make the comparison if you think Manziel will try to become a pocket QB in the NFL...although he's still bigger and has a stronger arm.

 

[culdeus]

I don't see how Manziel and Flutie are comparable in college. I guess you can make the comparison if you think Manziel will try to become a pocket QB in the NFL...although he's still bigger and has a stronger arm.

he's not that much bigger. And NFL DE have gotten MUCH bigger since Flutie left so they scale well relative to eachother.

 

[gump]

I don't see how Manziel and Flutie are comparable in college. I guess you can make the comparison if you think Manziel will try to become a pocket QB in the NFL...although he's still bigger and has a stronger arm.

he's not that much bigger. And NFL DE have gotten MUCH bigger since Flutie left so they scale well relative to eachother.

Size comment was more about his arm strength...Manziel is faster also...probably significantly.

 

[gump]

Travis Haney ‏@TravHaneyESPN 8m

According to OTL report, a source says Manziel might have received a five-figure fee in exchange for autographs

This sucks, considering the Alabama game is so early and even a 2 game suspension will take him out of that. Maybe they can drag it out a month or so.

 

[bushdocda]

Slow down JFF, not quite everyone thinks you're a massive doucher yet.

 

[Raider Nation]

I'll be surprised if this ends well.

Well that didn't take long.

 

[Mark Davis]

Travis Haney ‏@TravHaneyESPN 8m

According to OTL report, a source says Manziel might have received a five-figure fee in exchange for autographs

This sucks, considering the Alabama game is so early and even a 2 game suspension will take him out of that. Maybe they can drag it out a month or so.

Won't amount to anything. I have no doubt it's true and that it went down that way. What I do doubt is that anyone is stupid enough to pay any other way than cash. I know a memorabilia dealer in Alabama who did the same thing with both Mark Ingram and Cam Newton their Heisman years. Basically you pay for a hotel room in your name, they come there and sign. Sounds like in this case they had too many people around. Still, there should be no paper trail unless someone is just an idiot.

 

[JShare87]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000292105/article/johnny-manziel-to-be-top12-pick-scouts-tell-columnist

 

[pantherclub]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000292105/article/johnny-manziel-to-be-top12-pick-scouts-tell-columnist

good luck with that

 

[JShare87]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000292105/article/johnny-manziel-to-be-top12-pick-scouts-tell-columnist

good luck with that

I've been saying it from the end of last season. I will still be willing to put money he goes top 10 in May.

 

[JShare87]

Number 1 overall?

 

[Abraham]

Number 1 overall?

Doubtful.

 

[JShare87]

Like I said - any amount you care to wager. He isn't going in the top 3

Still feel that way?

 

[matuski]

Number 1 overall?

Doubtful.

Likely.

 

[Buckfast 1]

Number 1 overall?

Doubtful.

Likely.

I think it's hard to imagine Manziel falling past both the Jags and Browns at #3 and #4.

 

[Raider Nation]

Number 1 overall?

Doubtful.

Likely.

Why?

 

[Koya]

As a Giants fan, the more QB's that can go top 12, the better. I'm sure other teams picking around there who aren't looking QB and their respective fans agree.

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

Number 1 overall?

Doubtful.

Likely.

Why?

I think a lot of people think that the Texans will take him because Texans fans want him.

 

[Raider Nation]

Number 1 overall?

Doubtful.

Likely.

Why?

I think a lot of people think that the Texans will take him because Texans fans want him.

That worked well with Vince Young.

 

[Jules Winnfield]

Number 1 overall?

No

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

That worked well with Vince Young.

Not sure what you mean. Young was drafted by the Titans, not the Oilers.

 

[Raider Nation]

That worked well with Vince Young.

:Not sure what you mean. Young was drafted by the Titans, not the Oilers.

Yes, but the Texans fans wanted him. Bob McNair didn't care. There were no Oilers at that time.

 

[pantherclub]

Number 1 overall?

Doubtful.

Likely.

Just stop already

 

[Arizona Ron]

They've got him listed as 6' 1" 210lbs.

He looks a lot closer to 5' 10" 175lbs.

I'll be curious to see what he actually shows up at during the combine.

Yes I know Drew Brees is 6' and Russell Wilson is 5'11" but they don't look a "small" as this guy.

Manziel has the shoulders of a 12 year old girl, there's no way this guy makes it in the NFL.

 

[ClownCausedChaos2]

They've got him listed as 6' 1" 210lbs.

He looks a lot closer to 5' 10" 175lbs.

I'll be curious to see what he actually shows up at during the combine.

Yes I know Drew Brees is 6' and Russell Wilson is 5'11" but they don't look a "small" as this guy.

Manziel has the shoulders of a 12 year old girl, there's no way this guy makes it in the NFL.

Homer, please confirm.

 

[Homer J Simpson]

They've got him listed as 6' 1" 210lbs.

He looks a lot closer to 5' 10" 175lbs.

I'll be curious to see what he actually shows up at during the combine.

Yes I know Drew Brees is 6' and Russell Wilson is 5'11" but they don't look a "small" as this guy.

Manziel has the shoulders of a 12 year old girl, there's no way this guy makes it in the NFL.

Homer, please confirm.

More like 14-15, but it's a subtle difference...it takes a trained eye.

 

[Homer J Simpson]

Manziel will not be a good NFL QB and shouldn't be a high pick.

So clearly the Browns will take him.

 

[ClownCausedChaos2]

They've got him listed as 6' 1" 210lbs.

He looks a lot closer to 5' 10" 175lbs.

I'll be curious to see what he actually shows up at during the combine.

Yes I know Drew Brees is 6' and Russell Wilson is 5'11" but they don't look a "small" as this guy.

Manziel has the shoulders of a 12 year old girl, there's no way this guy makes it in the NFL.

Homer, please confirm.

More like 14-15, but it's a subtle difference...it takes a trained eye.

Attaboy.

 

[Arizona Ron]

They've got him listed as 6' 1" 210lbs.

He looks a lot closer to 5' 10" 175lbs.

I'll be curious to see what he actually shows up at during the combine.

Yes I know Drew Brees is 6' and Russell Wilson is 5'11" but they don't look a "small" as this guy.

Manziel has the shoulders of a 12 year old girl, there's no way this guy makes it in the NFL.

Homer, please confirm.

More like 14-15, but it's a subtle difference...it takes a trained eye.

 

[Abraham]

Like I said - any amount you care to wager. He isn't going in the top 3

Still feel that way?

Yes.I don't think there is any chance he goes as qb1, so that means he would have to be selected ahead of all but one of the following: clowney, Watkins, Matthews, and carr. St. Louis isn't selecting him second so barring a trade he would have to go to Jacksonville. Is Gus Bradley passing on Matthews or clowney (or both is rams ltake Watkins) to select a quarterback with potential maturity issues who may be two inches too short to see over an nfl line (cue Russell Wilson discussion). I think it's more likely that he slides to 8 or 11 than going top 3.

 

[JShare87]

I don't know how he will be as a pro but I argued a year ago he'd go top ten and I got laughed at. If some of you think he still isn't going top ten I'm still willing to put some money down. I feel the same as some of you about Bridgewater, he is the real deal. Runs a pro style offense and has amazing poise in the pocket. He is a can't miss QB IMO. I don't see how JFF falls past 2 unless Clowney absolutely kills it at the combine. The Rams are going to get a lot for that pick for someone looking to leap frog Jacksonville. Clowney is a once in a lifetime freak, no doubt. He doesn't play QB and let's face it this is a QB league. There is no way JFF doesn't get selected top ten, let's be real guys.

 

[culdeus]

They've got him listed as 6' 1" 210lbs.

He looks a lot closer to 5' 10" 175lbs.

I'll be curious to see what he actually shows up at during the combine.

Yes I know Drew Brees is 6' and Russell Wilson is 5'11" but they don't look a "small" as this guy.

Manziel has the shoulders of a 12 year old girl, there's no way this guy makes it in the NFL.

I've stood next to him before. I'm taller. I'm 5-11.

 

[Homer J Simpson]

What is JFF?