Johnny Manziel to fight in boxing match at UFC Apex vs. influencer Bob Menery

The former Texas A&M standout has had a tumultuous post-collegiate career on and off the field. After flaming out of the NFL following his selection by the Cleveland Browns, Manziel tried his hand at other leagues, such as the CFL and an arena football-style Fan Controlled Football league.

Recently, he’s been a mentor to Heisman runner-up Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt), who ended up going undrafted in 2026. Pavia eventually signed with the Baltimore Ravens.

“He’s giving me what to look out for, what it’s like, how to stay in the process,” Pavia said at the NFL Scouting Combine. “And, you know, he’s given me some good advice, for sure. And he always reaches out, too, checks up on me, makes sure I’m good, and he just, like, he’s just a friend to me, you know? And so he’s giving me some mentorship. He’s been around me, he’s been around my family. He’s just a great person for those that really don’t know him.”

Celebrity boxing is all the rage these days, at least within combat sports. Manziel is the latest former athlete outside a ring or cage to try his hand at fighting.

It’s been over a decade, but Manziel was the star of stars when he played QB for the Aggies. Winning the Heisman as a redshirt freshman, “Johnny Football” was the hottest thing since sliced bread.

During that 2012 season, Manziel threw for 3,706 yards, 26 touchdowns, nine interceptions, a 68% completion percentage, 1,410 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns. He added career highs in 2013, throwing for 4,114 yards, 37 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, a 69.9% completion percentage, 759 rushing yards and nine rushing scores.