Paul Finebaum. © Shanna Lockwood-Imagn Images

Paul Finebaum Names Most Exciting College Football Player He's Ever Seen

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jaron Spor | Last updated Apr 6, 2025 6:00 PM ET

ESPN's Paul Finebaum has had a remarkable career in sports journalism. He began his journey in Birmingham in 1980, earning recognition as an award-winning columnist and investigative reporter for the "Birmingham Post-Herald" and later for the "Mobile Press-Register."

In 2001, Finebaum launched the Paul Finebaum Radio Network, quickly becoming the South's leading voice of college football. Throughout his career, he has witnessed some of the best players in the history of the sport.

On "The Paul Finebaum Show," he made a notable declaration, stating that one specific player from the SEC is the most exciting he has ever seen in his career.

"I thought Manziel, for a singular season, may have been the most exciting player," Finebaum said. "He wasn't the best, but he may have been the most exciting player I've ever seen."

Manziel, popularly known as "Johnny Football," had an outstanding career with the Texas A&M Aggies. He amassed a total of 7,820 passing yards, 63 touchdowns and 22 interceptions, completing 68.9% of his passes. Additionally, he rushed for 2,169 yards and scored 30 touchdowns during his two seasons as the starting quarterback. His remarkable freshman season made him the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy.

During that freshman year, Texas A&M finished with an 11-2 record, marking the last season with 10 or more wins in Aggies history and the only such season since 1998. Although Finebaum has witnessed the talents of players like Florida Gators star Tim Tebow, Auburn Tigers legend Bo Jackson, Georgia Bulldogs icon Herschel Walker and USC Trojans standout Reggie Bush, he believes that none are as exciting as the former Aggie star.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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