Johnny Manziel is one of the most frustrating and polarizing players in the NFL, and while his frequent transgressions off the field do not make the league look good, he can be a conduit for the NFL to improve its image.
Former NFL coach Brian Billick told Jason Whitlock on Fox Sports 1 that Manziel does not deserve to be in the league because of his inability to stop partying, drinking and getting in trouble off the field. The next day, Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall issued a strong rebuttal to Billick, saying there’s no place for him in the NFL if he would treat someone with a sickness that way.
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Manziel has shown signs of alcoholism, and although that’s never been confirmed, he did spend last offseason in rehab. Marshall believes Manziel needs rehabilitation and support, not to be thrown out on his own.
The NFL has a chance to look benevolent. The NFL shield was stained through their concussion battle, and the revelation from retired veterans suffering from Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) that the NFL does very little for them once they’ve hung up their cleats. There’s no going back and changing their actions, but they can show a warmer heart to players like Manziel, who are displaying serious problems.
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The Browns are expected to cut Manziel when the NFL calendar turns over in March, which is a wise decision both on the field – Manziel hasn’t been very good when he’s had the opportunity to play – and on their spreadsheets. But that does not need to be the end of their relationship with him. The Browns, and the NFL, have the resources to offer treatment and counseling for troubled players, and they can aid him in turning his life around. If the Browns did that for a player whom they invested a high pick in, and who let them down, it’s hard to portray them as an organization that does not care for its employees.
That can do much more for the NFL’s image than convoluted rules about helmet-to-helmet hits.
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