What Happened to Johnny Manziel?
Johnny Manziel, once a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback dubbed "Johnny Football," experienced a meteoric rise and equally dramatic fall from professional football due to off-field issues, including substance abuse and mental health struggles. After brief stints in various leagues post-NFL, he has largely stepped away from professional play, focusing on personal well-being, media appearances, and business ventures, with recent news including a planned boxing match in May 2026.
Quick Answer
Johnny Manziel's promising NFL career with the Cleveland Browns was cut short after just two seasons due to highly publicized off-field issues, including substance abuse and a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Since his departure from the NFL in 2016, he has played in the CFL, AAF, and Fan Controlled Football, but has not returned to the sport's highest level. As of April 2026, Manziel is involved in media, including a role with Action Network, and is notably set to participate in a celebrity boxing match in Miami in May 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Wins Heisman Trophy
As a freshman quarterback for Texas A&M, Johnny Manziel becomes the first freshman in history to win the prestigious Heisman Trophy.
Final College Game: Chick-fil-A Bowl Win
Manziel leads Texas A&M to a 52-48 comeback victory over Duke in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, throwing for 382 yards and four touchdowns in what was widely expected to be his final collegiate game.
Drafted by Cleveland Browns
Johnny Manziel is selected by the Cleveland Browns as the 22nd overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft, signing a four-year, $8.25 million rookie contract.
Released by Cleveland Browns
After two seasons marred by off-field issues and inconsistent play, the Cleveland Browns release Manziel.
Marries Bre Tiesi
Manziel marries model Bre Tiesi in a private ceremony, crediting her with helping him through his struggles. He also reveals a bipolar disorder diagnosis.
Signs with Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL)
Manziel signs a two-year contract with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, marking his return to professional football in the Canadian Football League.
Banned from CFL and Joins AAF
Manziel is banned from the CFL for violating his contract and subsequently signs with the Memphis Express of the Alliance of American Football (AAF).
Joins Fan Controlled Football (FCF)
Manziel signs with the Fan Controlled Football league, joining the Zappers team, stating he was playing for fun rather than a serious comeback.
Divorces Bre Tiesi
Manziel's divorce from Bre Tiesi is finalized. He later expressed remorse for his actions during their marriage.
Netflix Documentary 'Untold: Johnny Football' Released
Netflix releases a documentary detailing Manziel's meteoric rise and fall, featuring interviews with Manziel himself and those close to him.
Opens 'Johnny Manziel's Money Bar'
Manziel opens a sports bar named 'Johnny Manziel's Money Bar' in College Station, Texas.
Begins Relationship with Josie Canseco
Manziel and model Josie Canseco, daughter of MLB legend Jose Canseco, make their relationship public.
Joins Action Network as Contributor
Manziel is announced as a guest contributor for the Action Network, providing a 'Hail Mary Pick of the Week' for college football.
Announced for Celebrity Boxing Match
UFC President Dana White announces that Johnny Manziel is set to box social media personality Bob Menery in Miami on May 16, 2026, as part of an influencer-driven boxing promotion.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Johnny Manziel's journey began with an electrifying college career at Texas A&M, where he became the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy in 2012, earning him the nickname "Johnny Football." His dynamic play captivated the nation, leading to high expectations for his professional future.
Drafted 22nd overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 2014 NFL Draft, Manziel's NFL tenure was brief and tumultuous. Despite signing an $8.25 million rookie contract, his two seasons (2014-2015) were overshadowed by off-field controversies, including excessive partying and substance abuse. He started only eight games, posting a 2-6 record, and was ultimately released by the Browns in March 2016.
Following his NFL exit, Manziel attempted comebacks in various leagues. He played for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 2018, but was banned from the league for failing to meet contractual obligations related to mental health treatment. He then joined the Memphis Express of the Alliance of American Football (AAF) in 2019 before the league folded. From 2021 to 2022, he participated in the Fan Controlled Football (FCF) league, stating he joined "just for fun" and had no interest in further professional football.
Manziel has been open about his struggles, revealing in 2018 that he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and has battled substance abuse. These personal challenges significantly impacted his career and led to a dramatic decline in his projected earnings. A 2023 Netflix documentary, "Untold: Johnny Football," further explored his rise and fall, with Manziel admitting to a $5 million "bender" during his most controversial period.
As of April 2026, Manziel's net worth is estimated at approximately $1 million, a stark contrast to the $100-150 million career earnings once predicted. He has engaged in media roles, joining the Action Network as a guest contributor for college football in January 2026, providing a "Hail Mary Pick of the Week." He also opened a sports bar, "Johnny Manziel's Money Bar," in College Station, Texas, in Fall 2023. In a surprising development, it was announced in April 2026 that Manziel is set to participate in a celebrity boxing match against social media personality Bob Menery in Miami on May 16, 2026, adding another unique chapter to his post-football life. He has been in a relationship with model Josie Canseco since April 2024.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Johnny Manziel made different choices?