‘Well, duh.’ Twitter reacts to Johnny Manziel ‘probably’ leaving football world behind
Has the football world seen the last of Johnny Manziel? According to the former Texas A&M superstar ... maybe.
In an interview with the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, the man known as “Johnny Football” set the record straight by saying the chapter that was his professional career is “in the past.”
“In the past, probably, is the way I’d characterize it,” Manziel said when asked about his career. “I’ve finally got to the point where I’m trying to achieve happiness in life, not happiness on the football field.”
The 2012 Heisman Trophy winner was drafted 22nd in the 2014 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns, but played in only 14 NFL games, starting eight. He went 2-6 with seven touchdown passes and seven interceptions, and was out of the league after the 2015 season.
“I know a lot of people probably want me to come back and play and give it another chance, but I don’t know, as far as being a person and figuring out life as a young adult — trying to make it and figure it out — if I’ve ever been in a better place than I’m in right now,” he told the Avalanche-Journal. “I can honestly say I’m happy and I’m doing the right things to try and put a smile on my face every day, and that means more to me than going out and grinding on a football field.”
According to ESPN, Manziel, 27, last played with the Memphis Express in the Alliance of American Football, a professional football league that filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2019. He joined the AAF after being released by the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League after the league said he “contravened the agreement which made him eligible to play.”
Fan reaction: ‘Well, duh’
Fans and non-fans took to social media to express their thoughts at the player who made the “money-symbol” famous for a fleeting moment in history likely retiring from the game.
“Johnny Manziel: My playing career is a thing of the past. Fans who knew this a long time ago:” @HMontgomery_ joked while sharing a popular ‘and?’ gif.
“This dude got more chances than Robert Downey Jr...” tweeted @AEE_Erazo.
“Welcome to Mcdonald’s, May I take your order?” said @MisterSamwell.
“Well, duh.” said @Kev14r in the form of a popular gif with Judge Judy.
While most reactions were playfully facetious, some noted his superb college career and wished him well.
“One of the best college QBs ever,” tweeted @PirainoVincenzo.
”He is 27 now, even as a project it would be a little late now. Sad to see the potential go to waste but always hope the best for the man,” said @itzdaequondoe.
“I’m so glad he is able to retire on his own terms,” tweeted @Baseballlineup.
Manziel “took the college football world by storm in 2012,” Bleacher Report said, and was considered one of the most electrifying college football players to take the field. He was the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy, nabbing the award during his redshirt year.
Manziel threw for 9,989 yards and 93 touchdowns during his time at Texas A&M, according to Heisman.com.