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Johnny Manziel Admits His NFL Draft Decision Would Be Different Today

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Dec 15, 2024 12:17 PM ET

Johnny Manziel is one of many former college athletes who didn't get to experience the NIL era.

Despite the NCAA prohibiting it at the time, the former Heisman Trophy winner has openly admitted to receiving money while playing at Texas A&M. After two seasons with the Aggies, the star quarterback left campus to declare for the NFL Draft. He only lasted two seasons with the Cleveland Browns before getting cut amid poor play and numerous off-field issues.

During a recent appearance on the Throwbacks podcast , Manziel told Matt Leinart that he likely would have reached a different decision if he played under the current NIL allowances.

"I could have stayed two more years in college and probably made what I made throughout the four years of your NFL deal for the most part," Manziel said (h/t On3). "So, I think it would have given me the opportunity to still be at a place at A&M like that, be able to make money, and be able to still continue to go play the college football life. It's tough for me looking back, having left two years of eligibility on a table."

Earlier this year, Manziel told Shannon Sharpe that his father tried negotiating a return to Texas A&M. He told Kevin Sumlin that Johnny Football would stay with the school for two more years if paid $3 million, but the head coach laughed at the request.

Although an illegal proposition a decade ago, Texas A&M's NIL collectives would likely now pay any quarterback of Manziel's caliber more money to stay put. Perhaps that extra time could have better prepared him to handle the NFL and adulthood.

At the very least, he would have gotten paid. As the No. 22 pick, Manziel signed a four-year rookie contract worth $8.2 million. He could have topped those earnings at College Station as one of college football's most popular stars.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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