Johnny Manziel reflects on his 'huge downfall'

The former Cleveland Browns quarterback tells ABC News about his recovery and that he wants "to get back on a football field."

[@easyL844]

Forget about football its good to see him sober

[@aharanha]

@MRFANCYPANTS777 Taking medication for bipolar disorder is not "escaping" anything. Things like lithium, Depakote, etc., don't allow you to escape pain, they simply make it possible to function like everyone else...you still have all the emotional, physical, and mental challenges that everyone else does...and often more so. People throw around the term "pharmaceuticals" as if they are all the same. There are thousands of medicines...do you know what everyone does, how each one functions? For people with severe mental illness, sobriety absolutely depends on proper medical treatment.

[@mizeryluvkompany]

Never was a big Maziel fan. But i am a big fan of redemption. Hopefully he puts it together, and gets there.

[@Bakenasty]

Fucc Manziel, what a bout Colin kaepernick? Do you know how many other athletes, actors, entertainers hell anybody have partied their careers.

[@elijah9052]

WESTCOAST COLLECTIVE PODCAST Factsss

[@popev3887]

Don't worry moddmuzik.... he won't put it together. He is an asshole and he will always be an asshole.

[@McLoven-vm1ck]

Michael Vick made a come back after all the trouble he got into though he was a tremendous athlete. It's possible. If he has pulled his head out of his ass and has done some growing then I suppose I can wish him the best.

[@HughSHay]

Difference is Michael Vick was actually a quality pro qb at one time instead of never.

[@bradynova3056]

I feel like Johnny subconsciously did all of this for the most epic 30 for 30

[@cole3433]

Would actually be nuts... imagine he makes a comeback wins 3 super bowls and retires. Names? 30 for 30 "Mood Swings"

[@lilkris3008]

Cole the only title his 30 for 30 could have is JFF

[@seandop9463]

Lol yea about that

[@PoisonPesoGretzsky]

Goals

[@lukerickbeil1360]

@@cole3433 well know 3 grey cups.

[@BernieYohan]

I hope he stays sober with or without football.

[@keelandavis9681]

BernieYohan Id say theres at the very least a 60% chance he doesnt stay sober. 85% of addicts relapse at some point in their recovery. Especially if he doesnt make it back to some form of football Id say the chances are even greater. Definately rooting for him though! Maybe his girl can keep him straight.

[@shagar5448]

BernieYohan There you go.

[@garrettevans9193]

@KZbin Guru What?! How can you play football drunk lol?

[@JMARTIN1947]

I doubt it, Bernie. Johnny has the character of a gutter rat.

[@akanimomusic]

Respect for this man for speaking out. Highly talented. Cant wait for the comeback.

[@joejones8454]

Zeke Verhoef no he doesn’t he had his chance and blew it on drugs and booze. He has no place for the nfl

[@duecedajuice2678]

Joe Jones Tell that to Ricky Williams

[@joejones8454]

duecedajuice 26 gladly

[@danx3504]

Don't pray for the comeback young blood. There will be no come back. No NFL team will welcome this little bloke even as a 3rd string QB. Too small just like Baker Mayfield.

[@anneharo001]

Not really

[@gamerbrock3066]

be crazy if he came back somehow and.....won a SuperBowl

[@dennisgreen2237]

Yeah that ain't happening. He showed literally no reason why any team would want him. He basically put up the worst resumé you could put up with the Browns. You are in a delusional fantasy land if you think some team is going to pay a guy MILLIONS of dollars to pull off some sort of miracle and be a come back story after being a piece of shit while playing when he had the opportunity. He basically sent the message that if he isn't playing for the one team he wants to play for he won't try. Btw it wouldn't even be that great of a story. Kurt Warner going from bagging groceries to Super bowl champion is a great story...not biggest douchebag on the planet to Super bowl champion. "I was a douchebag who tossed it all down the drain...was given another opportunity and won the superbowl." The reason that wouldn't be a good story is he was kicked out of the league for very good reasons. Only message that would send is even if your QB is the biggest douchebag fuckup in the world you should continue playing him. Not a good message. I dont hate Johnny these days because it seems he changed but he definitely doesnt "deserve" a second chance. Whether he gets that second chance or not would be up to NFL teams but if anything he DOESN'T deserve another shot and I would be very surprised if anybody were to give him one. When millions of dollars are on the line they don't play games and do stupid shit like signing fuckups for shits and giggles. And I know not everybody is perfect. But there is a huge difference between not performing your best and having a bad attitude. If he came in with the right attitude and stank it up I would be willing to maybe give him a second chance if I were an owner/GM. But to not have the right attitude AND stink it up....hell no. "But he has the right attitude now." Doesnt matter...he basically pulled a JaMarcus Russell. Took the money and ran. If he had enough integrity to pay back the Browns I would think about it.

[@landon1976]

Dennis Green legend

[@marcushardy6216]

@@dennisgreen2237 Josh Gordon and Tommy Maddox Made Their Comebacks to NFL and Winning Super Bowl Championships.espically Josh Gordon who's was constantly battling his demons while playing with the Browns around the same time as Manziel was playing with them.do Remember Josh Gordon did a Comeback video and talk about his past strugglings and Improvement. Johnny never had a Bad resume the Team he used to play for Have bad resume of Turning good QBs into Terrible QBs Brian Hoyer,Brady Quinn,RG3, Johnny I'm point out that you made a good point about him being the NFL. My (P.o.v) point of view is Johnny should've stayed in college for 3 or 4 years to let his game develop but He left after Sophomore year which is kind of bad Decision cause due to the company he Keeps around him. telling him to go to the NFL early and you'll have a leg up but that was Johnny being Overconfident and Cocky and not on Cue about his own game. Now I get where your coming from people lose Respect for Player that's not even playing his full potential and Dumb shxt mistakes off the Field can cost you more than anything as much as you worked hard for. Do I Think Johnny deserve a Chance yes. Do I Think right now. No!!! He Needs 1 or 2 years to Earn Respect and Redeem himself in The AAF or XFL as Player. We're All Human beings we Made mistakes and we Learned from them.

[@anneharo001]

@@marcushardy6216 you're a fool. Johnny Manziel sucks

[@tsomething1387]

dude .. he never learned how to sit in the pocket and scan the field, in college the line don't hold a wall, the NFL is built for a pocket passer. you see plenty of QB's shine is college and fall in the NFL just cause that reason, for example Tim Tebow. You have to stop putting trust in these people who've created a legacy for a college by being a heisman. being a all rounded athete is no longer effective in the NFL

[@JohnCFee]

When he said “Even when I was doing what I thought I wanted to be doing, I was miserable.”, I felt that.

[@Aurora_Tom_Renton]

I hope you make it brother, never give up

[@simplyjojo6555]

The comebacks gonna be real brotha. I believe in you bro!

[@lissaleggs4136]

Simply Jojo Manziel is spread QB, that don't work in pros. Weak arm.

[@iloveyoumadhuri]

He sucks! Even if he didn't, I don't think NFL teams want bipolar players. People with bipolar disorder already have a hard time getting jobs. This guy will not get a job when his hits will likely make his condition worse?

[@lissaleggs4136]

iloveyoumadhuri Jojo is Browns fan... Hehe

[@simplyjojo6555]

lissa leggs imma falcons fan but I’ve always been a fan of how Johnny plays

[@lissaleggs4136]

Simply Jojo He was great in college, lost in NFL. Switch to receiver or sit.

[@maniac4lyfe89]

Keep pushing Johnny. A lot of us go through what you go through but your an inspiration

[@Sigbue98]

All of this sounds good but now the hardest of all, prove it.

[@jaycarter5455]

Grandmabus2 Johnson real talk

[@swayzocrazo4398]

Right

[@anneharo001]

@Warchief Thrall lol. Dumb

[@reaper215]

Hearing him say there is no one to blame but himself, and talking about his sense of entitlement gives me hope. So many times, these kids blame their bad behavior on everything/one but themselves. Owning your mistakes show a MASSIVE amount of maturity. I wish this kid the best.

[@jimbeam3783]

Let he without sin cast the first stone.... The guy was highly successful. Accomplished far more than a 99 % of his critics. He got to the pro level and over indulged. I think he has learned from his mistake and is ready to come back and produce.

[@seandop9463]

No way Master manipulator. Hes full of shit

[@iismellgood]

omg he's in the club enjoying a beer! 😱

[@whodrankmymilk1]

Marcus Enjoying a beer in the club isn't the problem.

[@willgrantz3427]

Acting like he did it once

[@gtimes03]

That's a bottle of liquor, not beer, I think n

[@orangefroggg]

I don't think you dumbasses realize Marcus' sarcasm... he's saying that they're freaking out about him enjoying a beer in the club while he feels there is nothing wrong with it.

[@iismellgood]

orangefroggg thank you.

[@lj197847]

Good Luck Johnny Football

[@racebannon96]

Johnny gone

[@stockman214]

I'd love to see him make it back in. He's got to earn it, and it seems like he's doing that. Good for him.

[@waka8942]

Never doubt a man when he's down. Johnny about to be better then ever when he's back on the field.

[@bradleypetersen7731]

I wish the best for him. I have always been a huge fan, but have been really disappointed with his outside life. I hope he gets back, he could be stunning if given a real chance in the NFL.

[@jameshansen8220]

Sports go with a few years, the art of living is what we all desire. John Manzel has many gifts and he is motivated as I see him. Life is a journey, some of it magic, some of it tragic, so sings Jimmy Buffett. Be happy Johnny, I loved seeing you play that game, good fortune to you young Prince, help others by your example, others who never signed an autograph because most of us are average. You are blessed!

[@mikevega7740]

He was awesome at A&M, prayers for you brother

[@Opethianaut]

Redemption, Johnny! Wish you well brother!

[@matthewconway1494]

So proud of him, can't wait for the comeback, which we know is going to be awesome!

[@anneharo001]

Pretty awesome

[@bradygerding3235]

Perfect for the XFL

[@nachogonzaga603]

Brady Gerding he can see that happening

[@marywarren6528]

Have to admit I am impressed with his sincerity. He also looks good - a big improvement from the side of death look last year. Never been a Johnny Football, but I sincerely wish him well.

[@bluewolfe6048]

Good work excited to see him reatern

[@gottgaame]

truly a huge challenge to come back, hes still young, if he makes an nfl team i give him all the credit in the world, nothing but hard work.

[@wendyknox-leet1034]

This is a great redemption story!

[@ImGoingSupersonic]

It wasn't just alcohol.

[@christclinger6540]

I’m happy for him but it’s hard to think he is for real. I pray for his healing

[@trumpthefraud1694]

I could see him playing for the jaguars , bears , dolphins.

[@e-rab_malibu34]

Man, Johnny Football may have been my favorite college player of all time besides Reggie bush. He's undersized, but he is an amazing football player. Never seen someone's nickname fit so perfectly.

[@Rafe-hx5kk]

Rooting for you, And any others, from all walks of life, fighting to reach their potential and fending off their demons.

[@devpatel7154]

Here because he signed in the CFl

[@annajulian8005]

Oh my he will be a powerhouse when he stays this course. It can only go up from here. Wish home well.

[@quinbagwell7515]

We'll see , I wish him the best.

[@nickgambino9714]

Damn i feel this guy for sure. Damn

[@windridr66]

Addiction is tricky. You really need to move with intention. Much luck, to you, Johhny.

[@tylerj44]

I am so proud of him. He seems so much better. I really hope that he gets accepted back into the NFL and that life truly comes full circle for him because he deserves it.

[@anneharo001]

This is hilarious

[@terdfergusson36]

i really hope someone gives him a chance

[@SeanyMacKTA]

We all have our battles. Be strong self motivate.

[@gagemartineau8921]

Respect

[@wolfgangzrx]

When he beat Bama's butt in 2012/2013 I had never seen him play,but watching that game made me a lifelong fan! I wish him the very best now and i hope he makes a comeback,he's the type player I love to watch play. The first freshman to ever win the Heisman! Johnny Football was electrifying!

[@xxsuperavpcraftxx931]

God bless him

[@r.brydon4188]

I knew this kid had potential, and I'm not talking about only football.

[@anneharo001]

You're an idiot

[@JohnCervantes-xl8ql]

Hope you stay sober bro everyday is a battle homie gone have to want it ! ❤

[@notanewbie1718]

Really hope he stands out as a changed man. Hope he is given another chance if he does change.

[@TekoWorldAdventure]

Bipolar is no joke, people don’t understand how serious that is. There stages of mania and deep depression, people who never been diagnosed, deal with it by abusing alcohol and drugs. Happen around the age of 18-26 when it triggers. The sad part is there is no cure for it, only treatments. I wish him the very best and keep fighting!

[@hiramabiff9545]

Great interview always had hope for manziel. I am a diehard razorback fan but I stood in the rain and bought a suite ticket just to watch him demolish us in Fayetteville

[@MGB18]

I wouldn't mind Johnny on the Patriots backing up Tom. Johnny needs to be on a team with discipline. And with Belichick, he knows if he phucks up? He's gone....

[@MGB18]

Jaf27 Seattle Seahawks: You can definitely see Tom in Jimmy G. The way Jimmy calls the hike, throws and moves in the pocket is identical to Tom. Only thing Jimmy has that Tom doesn't, is the wheels. Jimmy is quick on his feet. 4.9 in the 40. Not bad. Johnny runs a 4.5 in the 40. Same as your boy Russell. You know, the Hawks isn't a bad idea either! If Russell took Johnny under his wing, that could be promising too. Either or would be a good fit, and Johnny at this point would sign for minimum salary.

[@MGB18]

Jaf27 Seattle Seahawks: I totally agree with your sentiments. Either or would be good for Johnny. Both Tom and Russell are good dudes. Everyone deserves a second chance. Hopefully Johnny is given one.

[@bluetickhunter9867]

holy cow I just read a civilized exchange between 2 people on utube. well done men. no race stuff no politics just a respectful exchange. LOL

[@nachogonzaga603]

Manziel would never be a Patriot

[@anneharo001]

@@MGB18 he ran a electronically timed 4.7 at combine

[@bethanyolster4184]

God Bless the honesty Johnny. Love you & wish you the best. I'd love to see you a Giant someday.

[@jeremywilson4267]

Awesome

[@nilssmith-yt]

Pulling for Johnny Football!

[@eastside313yahdig.2]

They’re hiring at your local police department and UPS, Make sure them packages arrive on time son

[@jonnyseed485]

It’s cool man we all slid down the shit slide sometimes

[@jamo9431]

He was an amazing qb! But there is many players that don't get a second chance, so how is it fair that the one with the most spotlight does?

[@brussell639]

I hope he makes it. At least he's trying now.

[@YukiGlazer]

I feel like he really has changed

[@keatontso2255]

Drinking does mess up goals and lives, lord knows I have done my share of it, everyone has that choice to change what they were. Do work Johnny. Be about it.

[@krzy6886]

I had the same shit happen to me when I was in my early twenties after I got my first job out of college. I suspected Manziel had bipolar based on how it's affected me. Hopefully he can make it back to the NFL, but this shit is really a bitch for anyone to overcome.

[@toddzilla13]

Addiction is undefeated. You can control it. U can maintain it. But its always there. It might be too late for Johny to come back to the NFL. But i fucking hope he comes back and kills it.

[@Keith_Mikell]

I agree man. His story is so fucking heartbreaking. I hope he can spin it but hes looking worse and worse. I wish someone could get through to him besides the high rollers like bob menery and other people who DON'T have his best interests at heart. They just want to make money off his name. The whole crew he hangs with is that way. Sad.

[@chrispierce1739]

So much for redemption. Johnny "Flame Out" just got kicked out of the CFL!

[@delphi-moochymaker62]

He debuted in the CFL recently....and threw 4 interceptions.

[@SGTWinchester85]

No shame in getting help. Wish u the best

[@anharmohamed2621]

WOW

[@Rambomode92]

Seems pretty genuine here

[@sammyflores4390]

lets go manziel #comebackszn

[@charlescummings1128]

He has as much talent as Baker Mayfield but that is where the comparisons end. Baker's personality and maturity is light years ahead of Johnny's. I was a big proponent of Johnny the football player. I hope he gets his life together because the football is the least important thing.

[@mrsnoopyaaaaa]

Come on Bill, give him a chance....

[@mattyice9356]

Come to the boys!!!

[@jerryevans4903]

🔥🔥🔥

[@austinwilliams4654]

The best that never was

[@Aurora_Tom_Renton]

Everybody Loves a Comeback Story...., GO JOHNNY GO.....

[@scottdavidson7001]

Defunct Houston Oliers are calling.....actually I hope he continues to recover.

[@lissaleggs4136]

Johnny should have stuck with baseball. 2nd base or SS, rangy. 2nd baseman best position for him.

[@soklyvann3030]

A year off of alcohol doesn't cure you. Once an alcoholic always an alcoholic; you have to fight it EVERY day, just like any addiction. Run this story again in 10 years and see where he's at.

[@johnbernard7280]

Good luck!

[@paulwidit3792]

That's good he wants to be on the right path now but I think it's kinda late now for him to be in the nfl rn hes in the AAF but I think that's all he going to even come close to the nfl type league. But that's good hes trying to stay str8 good for him.

[@infinitetundra]

Can't wait for the 30 for 30. What if I told you... (Fill it in yourself)

[@MattHolbert365]

Will E. You could come back

[@El.Nigga.]

Johnny Manziel wins Superbowl 53 MVP

[@squidtardsfirstcousin271]

A huge fall can lead to an even bigger rise?

[@dennisgreen2237]

That if you act like you are bigger than the team you were drafted too and don't take the job you were paid millions to do seriously you would be playing in the CFL going around doing mental health interviews trying to get sympathy for being such a screw up.

[@anneharo001]

Johnny Manziel is the biggest loser of all time

[@187mrsmith]

damn everyone bashing Johny manziel I get it he fucked up 💯% his fault but you can't tell me none of you have ever messed up or just been around such bad influences you don't realize your behavior isn't Normal or right....like this dude accomplished alot but everyone quick to judge & turn there back on people they once cared for the second something gets tuff that's just wrong I bet you wouldn't want people judging you if you made some poor choices in your life c'mon now!

[@charlesfurer]

I could not stand this guy, I mean really, but admittedly he seems pretty sincere about getting well. I hope he stays the path.

[@CoreonJohnson]

he needs to replace blake bortles

[@toorpat1410]

Coreon Johnson do you watch football? Bortles led his team to AFC championship and played a near flawless postseason. Any Jag would tell you that.

[@JohnnyReckless]

toorpat 1 do you watch football? Bottles has no talent. They had to completely change the offense in order to give him a chance. He missed wide open throws whenever he needed to throw deep. He's trash lol. His entire team carried him.

[@Craig-bo5fl]

word. Jacksonville would've won the super bowl with any other QB Mccown or Bridgewater even brian Hoyer they would have won. no excuse not to win with That Jacksonville team

[@Craig-bo5fl]

word Manziel is the biggest bust ever but he has hall of fame talent and if a team gives him a shot he could be one of the best ever if he's focused and motivated

[@ralphtroper8632]

He definitely is better than Ryan tannihill Mark Sanchez Derek carr

[@iFreeThink]

He is not an employee of a university.

[@standup5537]

I wonder what he does since he's not in the NFL

[@realseniourtaco5283]

god PLO Johny u know what people do to watch u

[@thecasualreviewer2148]

I pray he'll make an NFL comeback someday.

[@coachm86]

I'm glad he's getting the help he needed but truth be told he was never an NFL quarterback and the Browns were dumb for drafting him that high

[@coltcomphbar]

He had his chance and blew it. Next man up.

[@jonathanhall6426]

I love Johnny Manziel but you know he knows how to spin it. Are you still drinking? Just go to that question. You can tell he isn't trying to answer that.

[@Antbeast23]

Jonathan Hall like u never drank in your life

[@amgtv3487]

COMEBACK SZN BABY!

[@alpha1755]

People been covering for him since high school

[@bryanmora768]

#ComebackSZN 👌

[@erichiscock1032]

I would like to see my bears sign him

[@fishinforfun3359]

This should have been the long shot story instead of Devin wade. But for real I want to see this guy do better now he’s got his mind in the right place

[@Granada_Drive]

keep going Johnny!! We want to see you back working your magic bro!

[@GG-lr3gv]

He’s still not right upstairs, I can hear it in his speech. Dude doesn’t seem to know what’s going on. He may never be right again.

[@mlgfin]

5 years later, he hasn’t come back. I would’ve really liked to see him as a more mature person come back to the nfl.

[@jakewilson910]

I believe johnny manziel made some changes in is life!!!

[@Reefzr]

If my dad said that about me....I'd probably be to embarrassed to even be alive!

[@TheRealChrisBeard]

Holy shit . Never knew he was the first freshman to win the heisman

[@dennisgreen2237]

I was a Johnny hater and rightfully so. But as long as he changed I wish him the best. I'm not a Browns fan but the way he behaved he didn't deserve to be in the NFL. He acted like he was too good for the team. It has to sting that much more since Mayfield came in with the right attitude and is now pretty much a superstar around the league not just in Cleveland and that could have been him.