Plenty of Bad History
It’s quite incredible that Manziel is once again back in the news. What is even more shocking is that 13 NFL teams took came to his Pro Day last week in San Diego. (including the New England Patriots) Just a few days ago, he attended his old alumni at Texas A&M for their Pro Day. The truth is, Manziel is still an unknown. We have no idea just how much rust he has accumulated over the last three years out of football. However, many fail to realize he was set up to fail from the get go.
Manziel was a headcase, even back at school. As a freshman at A&M, Manziel already got into trouble with the law. He was arrested on June 29th, 2012 and was jailed on misdemeanors with police involving disorderly conduct, failure to produce identification, and possession of a falsified driver’s license. He was only 19 years old. This was before he even played a single snap of college football.
Being drafted to the Cleveland Browns (especially under owner John Dorsey) was arguably the worst situation possible for Manziel. Both as a player and person, Manziel was not under any real supervision to control his own actions and the results speak for themselves. He was out of the league after the 2015 NFL season due to off the field controversies (and plenty of issues with the Browns’ coaching and medical staff) and was unable to sign as a free agent in 2016. Soon after, he returned back to Texas A&M to complete his degree.
Believe in Second Chances?
Johnny said it best, until we see the results, he isn’t making it on an NFL roster. The reality is that Colin Kaepernick is still a free agent and was unable to get signed throughout the 2017 NFL season. Manziel will be lucky if he can get a NFL team to accept him unless they have the right culture and he is willing sincere about being changed.
The reason why I say this, is because Manziel messed up massively during his short career. He spent more time getting drunk, smoking, fooling around and partying all night instead of reading the playbook. This is not to mention the domestic abuse allegiances against him from his ex-girlfriend, Colleen Crowley back in 2016. Until teams are convinced he has matured and changed, he is just sweet talking. He has made attempts of entering the CFL, but he is perfectly okay with signing as a camp body for the upcoming training camp within the next few months.
The Patriots are a team that, despite any ideas, have taken those who have questionable character issues (I don’t even need to say who it is I am referring to either). If he is willing to change, I don’t see why the Patriots can’t make an attempt at least.
Show Don’t Tell
Belichick is unpredictable, he has worked out players before and looking at Manziel, when he was coming out, many NFL experts had him as one of the top QBs in the 2014 NFL Draft. (The same draft that Jimmy Garoppolo was drafted in) He was right up there, as one of the best QBs in college football for a period of time. Manziel is still only 25 years old, and still has a chance of making a comeback, but only if he has truly changed. He can’t erase what he has done already.
I would be shocked if Belichick actually was serious about taking him onto the roster. But it wouldn’t be for anything more than a massive discount. Until he shows results in training camp, don’t give him any offers, he hasn’t earned anything, so don’t give him anything. Manziel ruined himself and hit rock bottom, everything up till now has been all on him.
Despite all the criticism that he has gotten, he is only human. The guy came from a wealthy family, was very spoiled early in life, and was physically gifted as well. Manziel had it made and it all was wasted because he didn’t care. If he wants another chance, it can’t hurt to try, but there is no way he is earning reps until they get a real look at him. The Patriots need a QB to develop behind Brady when he retires. It most definitely will not be Manziel. That is a fact. But if anybody can turn him around, Belichick is the guy to put your money on.
