Failed Ex-Browns QB Ripped After Latest Statement

Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel is facing backlash after making disparaging remarks about his former team and city.

Manziel, the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner, was selected by the Browns with the No. 22 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. His tenure in Cleveland was short-lived and tumultuous. He appeared in 14 games over two seasons, finishing with a 2-6 record as a starter. Manziel passed for 1,675 yards, seven touchdowns, and seven interceptions during his time with the Browns.

After washing out of the NFL, Manziel struggled to find stability elsewhere. He had brief stints in the Canadian Football League and the now-defunct Alliance of American Football. His CFL career ended after seven games with the Montreal Alouettes, who released him amid league-imposed restrictions. Manziel has failed to revive a professional career that once held so much promise.

While appearing on the IMPAULSIVE podcast, Manziel shared his disdain for Cleveland while reflecting on his career and off-field struggles.

“I hated Cleveland so much, and I know that’s going to be tough to hear,” Manziel said. “That place definitely aided to my depression for sure.”

Browns Fans Fire Back at Johnny Manziel

By all accounts, the Manziel experiment was a massive failure in Cleveland. However, he remains a polarizing figure, with his latest comments sparking a wave of criticism.

“Manziel blames Cleveland for his depression like it was the one throwing picks and skipping film,” one fan said. “You partied through playbooks, tanked your shot, and now it’s the city’s fault? The Dawg Pound deserved better than a frat bro with a spiral and no spine.”

“No accountability—that’s what this is called! You didn’t take your job seriously and did whatever you wanted, Johnny ‘Worthless Football’ Manziel!” another fan added. “Fans spent their hard-earned money to watch you play, and all you cared about was yourself. If you had succeeded, you would have loved this city—and this city would have loved you back. But that time has passed. We’ve moved on with our lives… unfortunately, we can’t say the same for you.”

Former NFL Pro Bowler Chad Johnson also chimed in, defending Cleveland.

“I would never blame the city. The city’s not an excuse. I’m going to play football. I’ve been to Cleveland before. I love Cleveland,”  Johnson said. “You know, there are things that I like to do when I go to a city like that.”

Johnny Manziel Cheering for Shedeur Sanders in Browns QB Competition

The Browns have yet to find a long-term solution at quarterback. The team is staging a four-man competition for the starting job in training camp that includes Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel.

Manziel recently weighed in on his “Glory Daze” podcast, backing Shedeur.

“He’s going to an opportunity now in Cleveland with a quarterback situation that, honestly, he can come out of and win the job,” Manziel said. “There’s no doubt about that. I think he’ll do well. I really do. The kid works really hard, I think he loves the game of ball. When it comes down to it, if you have a guy like that that loves the game — obviously growing up around it his whole life — I think he’ll be successful.”

Browns rookies, including Sanders, reported for training camp on July 18. The veterans are set to join them next week.