The Rise and Fall of Johnny Manziel: A Story of Depression, Addiction, and Redemption
Johnny Manziel, once a promising star in college football, saw his career take a dark turn after being drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2014. In a candid interview at the annual VitAL health conference at the University of Alabama, Manziel opened up about the crippling depression he experienced after achieving his dream of being a first-round NFL draft pick.
Despite having fame, money, and success on the field, Manziel felt empty inside and turned to alcohol and drugs to cope with his inner turmoil. His struggles off the field soon began to impact his performance on it, leading to a downward spiral that ultimately led to his release from the Browns in 2016.
Former Browns coach Mike Pettine admitted that the team was unaware of the extent of Manziel’s issues when they drafted him, highlighting the disconnect between the player they thought they were getting and the one who showed up in Cleveland.
But Manziel’s story doesn’t end there. After hitting rock bottom, he made the decision to go sober and turn his life around. He now advocates for a healthier lifestyle and has taken on a new role as a college football analyst for The Action Network’s “Big Bets on Campus” podcast.
Manziel’s journey serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing temporary highs over long-term fulfillment. It’s a story of redemption and resilience, showing that it’s never too late to make a change and strive for a better future.
