The Cleveland Browns are likely moving ahead this season with Josh McCown at quarterback instead of Johnny Manziel. Generally hyped first-round picks like Manziel are given the nod over journeyman veterans, but Manziel's case is like few the NFL have ever seen.
Manziel was a troublemaker in college, and became known for partying as much as for his greatness on the field. He wasn't mechanically sound, nor did he have prototypical size for an NFL quarterback. Manziel thrived on improvisational skills, and mobility. At the NFL level he quickly found out those wouldn't carry him against bigger, stronger and faster defenses. He flopped in his brief opportunity to start, throwing zero touchdowns and two picks in two starts before getting hurt.
After the season ended, stories leaked about Manziel's lack of professionalism and preparedness. He also checked into rehab for several months to treat undisclosed substance abuse problems. He's back with the Browns now, and even though he has a long road to travel back to the starting job, he's making an impression on important teammates.
"He's doing all the right steps," Pro Bowl cornerback Joe Haden said. One of those steps is having a former high school coach move in with him to keep him on the straight and narrow path.
Julius Scott, a former offensive coordinator for Manziel is credited with making "the single biggest impact on my development as a player." Manziel told The Houston Chronicle that he didn't become emotional about winning the 2013 Heisman Trophy until he saw Scott.
"When I saw him, I just lost it," Manziel said. "I bawled my eyes out right there. I told him, 'I would never have been here without you.'"
Manziel is still battling bouts with immaturity. Just last month Manziel was involved in a dispute with a fan in which he allegedly threw a water bottle at the fan for harassing him. Police did say they "did not detect that Manziel had been drinking." But he has also kept a low profile, and hasn't spoken to the media since leaving rehab.
[ESPN]
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