Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel has continued his public perception rehabilitation efforts by spending some time with renowned quarterback guru Jon Gruden, a former Super Bowl winning coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Manziel, who struggled mightily on the field in 2014 and even more off of it, has taken a number of steps this offseason to prove he's worth another chance. He spent 10 weeks in a rehab center for undisclosed reasons. At OTAs he spoke to media, and owned up for his distracting behavior, and said he is retiring his signature "money sign" celebration.
The second-year quarterback enters this season competing more for a backup position with Thad Lewis and Connor Shaw rather than a starting job, which right now belongs to veteran free agent signee Josh McCown. According to Cleveland.com, his move to work with Gruden to improve as a passer will be looked upon favorably by the organization.
"Gruden is a friend of Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, so it's something that was certainly well-received by the team," Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot wrote. Gruden was supportive of the Browns' taking Manziel in Round 1 of the 2014 draft, saying "I want Johnny Manziel," in a conference call before the draft began.
In limited action last season that was shortened by injury, Manziel looked overmatched physically and mentally. The speed he showed at Texas A&M that allowed him to win the 2013 Heisman was less apparent vs. NFL defenses (although he did score a rushing touchdown), and his decision-making was not up to par. He was picked off twice by the Cincinnati Bengals in a 30-o shellacking in his first career start.
According to reports, the bulk of his work with Gruden involved film study, and throwing mechanics.
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