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Johnny Manziel Opens Up About ‘Shame & Regret’ Over Short-Lived NFL Career

COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 16: Johnny Manziel looks on during the first half of a game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Kyle Field on September 16, 2023 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

Former Cleveland Browns quarterback and 2012 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel opened up on his past career struggles.

The 32-year-old was selected by the Browns in the 2014 NFL draft after a promising collegiate career with Texas A&M. However, Manziel suffered setbacks off the field, such as drug use and domestic violence accusations, which limited his time in the NFL.

After two seasons with the Browns, the quarterback spent spells with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Montreal Alouettes, Memphis Express and the FCF Zappers.

On the season four premiere of Special Forces, Manziel admitted he felt “shame and regret” about his shortened professional career.

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“I lost a huge part of my work ethic,” he said. “I gave up on a real opportunity, a football career, and walked away from it pretty quick.”

“I think, after I got my most success and won the Heisman Trophy as a freshman, I think I just got treated differently.”

While at Texas A&M, Manziel registered nearly 8,000 passing yards across two seasons with the Aggies. He became the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy award, while also becoming the first freshman in NCAA history to record 3,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards in a single season.

Jake Iovine