Johnny Manziel is slowly starting to win people over again. After a disastrous rookie season followed by a lengthy stay in rehab during the offseason, Manziel has been on his best behavior at OTAs. He is saying the right things to the media, and he's even gotten a new endorsement.
Manziel has partnered with a daily fantasy baseball app to form the Manziel MLB Throwdown, which takes him back to his baseball-loving roots.
"I've been a big baseball person since high school and growing up it's been a sport that's been my go-to, besides football obviously," he said. "I'm still able to watch during the week, I check SportsCenter obviously."
Manziel recently drew kudos from the Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator also, who said he could follow in the footsteps of Drew Brees if he develops comfort operating inside the pocket. Now, a Browns legend has thrown his hat in the pro-Manziel ring.
"I'm encouraged, because Johnny is addressing his situation, and that's speaking to the world," Jim Brown said. That message is encouraging. He's going to give himself the best chance to succeed. Now if he were still in denial, we'd have a different conversation. If he didn't go to rehab, this would be totally different.
"What I would have said to Johnny, or would have hoped he'd do, he's doing. So I'd say to him, 'Your commitment to allow the world to know you want to work to change your life, I encourage and support you.' It would be that simple. I wouldn't try to impart any great wisdom on him, because it's a day-to-day process that he's got to live with."
Manziel has a steep climb ahead of him if he wants to regain the starting job. The Browns inked veteran quarterback Josh McCown this offseason to a three-year, $12 million contract and he has impressed Cleveland's coaches and front office so far.
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