Johnny Manziel, also known as ‘Johnny Football,’ is an American former football quarterback who played for the Cleveland Browns in the NFL and faced various controversies during his career.
He gained fame for his exceptional performance in college football at Texas A&M University, where he won the Heisman Trophy as the first freshman to do so.
Despite his initial success, Manziel’s professional career was marred by off-field issues, including legal troubles and struggles with mental health.
His story is featured in documentaries like Untold: Johnny Football, shedding light on his rise to stardom and subsequent downfall.
Net worth | $1 million |
Profession | Former football quarterback |
Date of birth | December 6, 1992 |
Nationality | American |
Background and early life
Manziel, born Jonathan Paul Manziel on December 6, 1992, in Tyler, Texas, grew up playing various sports like basketball, football, golf and baseball.
At Tivy High School, he excelled in baseball and football, transitioning from a receiver to a quarterback.
Manziel’s exceptional talent drew comparisons to quarterbacks like Brett Favre and Drew Brees.
His rise to fame escalated during his freshman season at Texas A&M University, where he broke records and became the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy.
Despite his success in college, Manziel’s professional career with the Cleveland Browns faced challenges, including struggles on the field and off-field controversies.
These controversies included legal issues, substance abuse problems and allegations of domestic abuse.
His story is marked by highs and lows, from his college triumphs to his turbulent NFL career and personal struggles.
Net worth
Manziel’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million, reflecting his earnings from his football career, endorsements and business ventures.
Despite initial projections of earning over $100 million, his actual career earnings totaled $18 million, with $7.7 million from salary and around $10 million from endorsements.
Manziel’s financial journey includes a significant rookie contract with the Cleveland Browns, endorsement deals with companies like Nike and involvement in various business endeavors.
However, challenges such as off-field controversies, legal issues and struggles with substance abuse impacted his career and earning potential.
Despite setbacks, Manziel’s net worth in 2024 remains at $1 million, showcasing the complexities of managing success both on and off the field.
Contracts and career earnings
Manziel’s career earnings and contracts provide insight into his financial journey in professional football.
His total career earnings amount to approximately $18 million, with a significant portion coming from his rookie contract with the Cleveland Browns.
Initially projected to earn over $100 million in salary and endorsements, Manziel’s actual earnings totaled $7.7 million from salary and around $10 million from endorsements.
His first NFL contract with the Browns was a 4-year deal worth $8.25 million, including a $4.3 million signing bonus.
Despite the promising start, off-field issues, including substance abuse problems, legal troubles.and controversies, impacted his career trajectory.
These challenges led to his release from the Browns in 2016 and affected his ability to fulfill his contract.
Additionally, Manziel earned millions from endorsement deals with companies like Nike, Nissan, McDonald’s and Panini America, although some of these deals were short-lived due to personal issues.
Endorsement deals
Manziel’s career has been marked by significant endorsement deals with major brands like Nike, Nissan and MusclePharm.
Initially, after declaring for the 2014 NFL Draft, Manziel signed a lucrative multiyear contract with Nike, which included special merchandise like Money Manziel shirts and Johnny Football gear.
However, due to a series of off-field incidents and controversies, Nike decided to terminate its endorsement deal with Manziel following the 2015 NFL season.
This decision was part of a trend where other companies like Nissan and MusclePharm also dropped their deals with Manziel.
The termination of these endorsements, coupled with his release from the Cleveland Browns and legal issues, reflects the challenges Manziel faced in maintaining his brand image and marketability amidst personal struggles and controversies.
Nike deal
Manziel’s Nike deal was a significant multiyear endorsement agreement signed in March 2014, prior to his NFL career.
The deal with Nike was reported to be the highest payout among NFL rookies from his draft class, although the exact financial terms were not disclosed.
Nike’s investment in Manziel was strategic, aiming to capitalize on his dynamic and attention-grabbing persona to enhance the brand’s marketing efforts.
The partnership included exclusive merchandise like Money Manziel shirts and the use of his college nickname, Johnny Football.
Despite the initial promise of the collaboration, Nike terminated the contract with Manziel sometime after the 2015 NFL season, following a series of off-field issues, legal troubles and controversies that tarnished his public image and marketability.
This termination was part of a broader trend where other brands like Nissan and MusclePharm also ceased their associations with Manziel, reflecting the challenges he faced in maintaining endorsements amidst personal struggles and negative publicity.
Business ventures
Manziel has ventured into various business endeavors beyond his football career.
One notable business venture is the opening of Johnny Manziel’s Money Bar on College Main Street in College Station, Texas, near Texas A&M University.
This establishment, scheduled to open in the fall of 2023, reflects Manziel’s entrepreneurial spirit and diversification of income sources.
Additionally, he has become part owner of a sports bar and nightclub in the Northgate District near the Texas A&M campus, showcasing his involvement in the nightlife industry.
These business ventures not only demonstrate Manziel’s entrepreneurial pursuits but also highlight his connection to his alma mater and the local community through these establishments.
Johnny Manziel car collection
Manziel’s car collection includes a variety of high-performance vehicles that reflect his taste for luxury and speed.
He has been known to own cars like the Nissan GT-R, a powerful and fast sports car that aligns with his preference for swift performance both on and off the football field.
Additionally, Manziel has been associated with vehicles like the Mercedes S-Class Coupe, Mercedes G-Class SUV, Porsche Cayenne and the Nissan Titan SL.
His choice of cars showcases a blend of luxury, style, and performance, highlighting his affinity for high-end automobiles.
Moreover, his involvement with The Collection Auto Group in initiatives like scholarship programs further underscores his connection to the automotive industry beyond just owning and driving cars.
Real estate properties
Manziel has been associated with various real estate properties, including a suburban Cleveland home that he placed on the market for $489,000.
This 3-bed, 4-bath home in Avon, Ohio, was part of his rocky season with the Cleveland Browns. Despite hopes that this house would bring stability, Manziel listed it for sale after purchasing it more than a year prior.
Additionally, he faced legal issues related to a rental house in Los Angeles, where he was sued for alleged damages.
These instances shed light on Manziel’s real estate dealings, showcasing a mix of acquisitions, sales, and legal challenges tied to his properties in different locations like Cleveland and Los Angeles.
Early career
Manziel’s early career was marked by versatility and success in multiple sports during his high school years at Tivy High School in Kerrville, Texas.
Initially playing as a receiver, he transitioned to quarterback and showcased exceptional skills, drawing comparisons to renowned quarterbacks like Brett Favre, Michael Vick and Drew Brees.
Throughout his high school football journey, Manziel displayed remarkable talent, earning accolades such as the All-San Antonio Area Offensive Player of the Year and District 27-4A MVP.
His senior season was particularly impressive, with impressive passing and rushing statistics, highlighting his dual-threat capabilities on the field.
These early achievements laid the foundation for his future success in college football and beyond, setting the stage for his eventual rise to prominence in the football world.
Breakthrough
Manziel’s breakthrough moment in his career came during his time at Texas A&M University, particularly in the 2012 season.
This season was pivotal for Manziel as he made history by becoming the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy, a prestigious award in college football.
His exceptional performance on the field, including passing for 3,419 yards and 24 touchdowns, along with rushing for 1,181 yards and 19 scores, solidified his reputation as a standout player.
Additionally, his notable victory over top-seeded Alabama further elevated his status, leading to accolades like the SEC Freshman of the Year, the Davey O’Brien Award, the Manning Award and the Heisman Trophy.
This breakthrough season not only showcased Manziel’s talent but also set the stage for his future endeavors in football, shaping his legacy as a dynamic and impactful player
Philanthropic endeavors
Manziel has been actively involved in philanthropic efforts, showcasing a pattern of charitable behavior throughout his career.
He has participated in various charitable events and initiatives, demonstrating a commitment to giving back to the community.
Manziel has helped raise funds for scholarships at Texas A&M University, supported cancer patients like Dina in their fight against the disease and engaged in activities to increase awareness for charitable causes.
Additionally, he has backed organizations such as the Greater Cleveland Food Bank and The LeBron James Family Foundation, highlighting his dedication to supporting important causes.
Manziel’s recognition of Colin Kaepernick’s charitable work further emphasizes his appreciation for individuals making a positive impact through philanthropy.
Family
Manziel’s family has a complex history intertwined with the oil industry in Texas.
His great-grandfather, Bobby Joe Manziel, played a significant role in the oil business, discovering oil in Texas in 1930.
Despite encountering legal troubles, Bobby managed to amass wealth and even built The Oil Palace, a music venue in Tyler, Texas.
However, the wealth from the oil business did not directly benefit Johnny’s father, Paul Manziel, who worked as a general manager at a Honda dealership, showcasing a different path to financial stability.
While there were claims of generational wealth tied to the oil industry, it seems that the direct financial impact on Manziel’s immediate family was not as substantial as initially perceived.
The narrative of inherited wealth was partly fabricated to navigate NCAA regulations and explain Manziel’s lifestyle during his college football career, where he faced scrutiny for violating rules by selling autographs.
Controversies
Manziel’s career has been marred by a series of controversies and off-field incidents that have overshadowed his performance on the football field.
These controversies range from legal issues like misdemeanor assault charges and domestic violence allegations to erratic behavior, substance abuse concerns and partying incidents.
Manziel’s troubles began during his time at Texas A&M University, where he faced legal issues like a fake ID arrest and tweets hinting at leaving college.
Upon entering the NFL, his behavior continued to attract negative attention, including late-night altercations, rehab stints and missed team obligations.
These controversies culminated in his release from the Cleveland Browns, termination of endorsement deals and legal battles.
Despite attempts at rehabilitation and counseling, Manziel’s struggles with personal issues, substance abuse and erratic behavior have significantly impacted his career and public image, overshadowing his achievements as a football player.