Johnny Manziel Biography

Early Life & Background

Johnny Manziel was born on December 6, 1992, in Tyler, Texas, to Paul and Michelle Manziel. He grew up in Kerrville, Texas, where he showcased exceptional athletic talent in football, baseball, and golf. Manziel’s competitive drive emerged early, but football became his true calling during high school. He attended Tivy High School, gaining attention for his electric playing style. Recognized for both his passing and rushing abilities, he was heavily recruited by colleges across the country.

Eventually, Manziel chose Texas A&M, where he redshirted his first year. Under head coach Kevin Sumlin, Manziel broke out in 2012, becoming the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy, cementing himself as “Johnny Football.” His time at A&M marked him as one of the most thrilling college athletes of his generation.

Acting Career Highlights

While Johnny Manziel is not an actor by profession, he did feature prominently in sports documentaries, the most notable being Untold: Johnny Football (2023), a Netflix original documentary that detailed his meteoric rise and fall. The film showcased his college fame, the pressure of NFL expectations, and his personal battles.

He’s also made cameo appearances on talk shows, commercials, and sports programming. Despite not pursuing acting, his charismatic and controversial personality has made him a prominent media figure in sports entertainment.

Personal Life & Relationships

Johnny Manziel’s personal life has often made headlines. In 2018, he married model and social media influencer Bre Tiesi, though the marriage ended in divorce in 2021. The relationship was tumultuous, marked by public disputes and speculation about infidelity and personal struggles.

Family has been both a support system and source of scrutiny for Manziel. Coming from a wealthy oil family, some critics argued that his privileged background shielded him from consequences early in life. Johnny himself admitted in interviews that his lifestyle spiraled due to fame, lack of discipline, and substance abuse.

As of 2025, he is reportedly single and focused on personal growth, mental health advocacy, and business ventures.

Legal & Financial Struggles

Manziel’s journey through fame has not been without serious legal and financial issues. In 2016, he faced domestic violence allegations involving then-girlfriend Colleen Crowley, leading to a misdemeanor assault charge. Though the charges were eventually dismissed after court-mandated conditions were met, the scandal severely impacted his public image and NFL career.

He also struggled with substance abuse, checking into rehab in 2015. Financially, his lavish spending and lack of stable income post-NFL led to speculation about bankruptcy. Though never officially bankrupt, Manziel admitted to financial mismanagement, including losing endorsement deals and high-value contracts.

Efforts to rebuild his life included short stints in the CFL, AAF, and Fan Controlled Football (FCF), but consistent professional success remained elusive.

Net Worth

As of 2025, Johnny Manziel’s net worth is estimated between $1 million and $2 million. During his peak years, he signed a four-year, $8.25 million contract with the Cleveland Browns and earned additional income from endorsement deals with Nike, Nissan, and McDonald’s.

However, his early career collapse, coupled with legal issues and rehab stints, led to a sharp decline in income. Current revenue streams include personal appearances, speaking engagements focused on mental health and redemption, a podcast deal, and minor business investments. Manziel has been working to stabilize his finances with the help of a new management team and financial advisors.

Key Points Table

5 Key Points About Johnny Manziel’s Career and Personal Life

1. College Football Icon: Manziel became the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy, redefining quarterback mobility in college football with his fast-paced, improvisational style.

2. NFL Downfall: Drafted by the Browns in 2014, his professional career quickly declined due to off-field behavior, lack of discipline, and poor performance.

3. Legal Troubles: His 2016 domestic violence case and repeated violations of team rules and public conduct policies significantly tarnished his career.

4. Comeback Attempts: Manziel tried reviving his career in multiple alternative leagues, including the CFL and Fan Controlled Football, showing glimpses of talent but failing to secure long-term success.

5. Focus on Advocacy: Post-career, Johnny Manziel has opened up about his mental health struggles and now works to educate others on the consequences of fame, addiction, and untreated illness.

Conclusion

Johnny Manziel’s life is a compelling mix of brilliance, controversy, and redemption. Once a college football legend known as “Johnny Football,” he electrified fans and symbolized hope for his team and the game. Yet fame proved to be a double-edged sword, leading to off-field chaos, legal issues, and a premature end to his NFL career.

Despite the setbacks, Manziel’s journey has taken a more reflective turn. Through transparency about his mistakes, commitment to personal growth, and efforts to educate others, he is crafting a new legacy beyond the football field. His story remains a cautionary tale—but also one of hope, resilience, and potential rebirth.

FAQs About Johnny Manziel

1. What happened to Johnny Manziel’s NFL career?
   After a promising start, Manziel’s NFL career ended prematurely due to inconsistent play, off-field controversies, and violations of team policies. He was released by the Cleveland Browns in 2016.
2. Has Johnny Manziel played football since the NFL?
   Yes, he played briefly in the CFL, AAF, and Fan Controlled Football league, but none led to a sustained comeback. His athleticism remained, but consistency and focus were lacking.
3. What is Johnny Manziel doing now?
   Manziel is focused on mental health advocacy, public speaking, and entrepreneurship. He remains active in sports media and has hinted at writing a memoir.
4. What was in the Netflix documentary about him?
   Untold: Johnny Football (2023) on Netflix explores his rapid rise to fame, college stardom, personal struggles, and the reality behind his public image.

5. Is Johnny Manziel still wealthy?
Manziel’s net worth has dropped significantly from his peak. Currently estimated between $1–2 million, he earns through media appearances, endorsements, and other ventures.