Johnny Manziel NFL Career Overview
Johnny Manziel played in the National Football League for two seasons, 2014 and 2015, as a quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. He was selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft, 22nd overall, after a record-setting college career at Texas A&M. The Browns signed him to a four-year rookie contract with a fifth-year team option, which they declined after the 2015 season, ending his time on the roster. Forbes NFL financials overview.
During his two active NFL seasons, Manziel appeared in 12 games, starting 6, and recorded 1,675 passing yards, 9 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions on a career passer rating of 72.9. He also rushed for 159 yards and 1 touchdown. His playing time decreased each year, with 7 starts in 2014 and 0 starts in 2015 after a coaching change and off-field scrutiny. The NFL's official statistics page and team records confirm these figures as his complete regular-season totals.
Timeline of Johnny Manziel's NFL Tenure
2014 Season
In 2014, Manziel started 7 of 11 games for the Browns, throwing for 1,094 yards and 4 touchdowns while adding 169 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. He earned the nickname "Johnny Football" for his highlight plays but also drew criticism for inconsistent decision-making and a league-imposed fine for an obscene gesture. The Browns finished 7-9 that year, and Manziel was listed as the third-string quarterback behind Brian Hoyer and Josh McCown for parts of the season.
2015 Season and Departure
In 2015, Manziel did not start any games for the Browns, appearing in 1 contest and completing 1 of 3 passes for 6 yards. He spent time on the practice squad and was inactive for most weeks. The Browns released him on March 8, 2016, and he did not sign with another NFL team afterward. ESPN report on Manziel release. His last NFL game action was in Week 17 of the 2015 season against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Post-NFL Career and Current Status
After the NFL
After leaving the NFL, Manziel did not return to a regular-season NFL roster. He spent time in the Canadian Football League with the Montreal Alouettes in 2018, appearing in 3 games before his release. He has not been on an NFL active roster since 2015, and no team has signed him to a future contract since his 2016 release. CBS Sports update on Manziel status.
Career Summary
Johnny Manziel's total NFL playing career spans two seasons, 2014 and 2015, with 12 games played and 7 starts. His career ended without a Pro Bowl selection, a playoff appearance, or a starting job beyond his rookie year. The Browns' decision