Johnny Football is back.
The highs and lows of Johnny Manziel’s football career seemed to be wrapped up in a game on Saturday night for his fan-controlled football league (FCF) debut.
The former Heisman Trophy winner completed 1 of 5 passes for 11 yards while adding 67 yards and an eight-yard touchdown, including an impressive 38-yard touchdown in his first instant. His team, the Zappers, lost 48-44, but Manziel was still having a good time.
“The product will continue to improve as the weeks go by,” Manziel said after the match. “Good start, even with the loss. You know, win or lose that we make drinks at the Zappers. “
Saturday’s game in the new 7-on-7 league, in which fans can call up offensive plays, was Manziel’s first football action since 2019, when he played for the Memphis Express in the American Football Alliance. He has bounced back from league to league after playing his last NFL game with the Browns in 2015.
The 28-year-old was looking forward to the game, but still enjoyed his FCF debut.
“I feel like I’m super washed, but I’ve still had a great time,” he said. “It was the most fun I’ve had in a while.”
Manziel looked more like “Johnny Football” in his first moment, when he took off in a rush down the left sideline and threw two defenders as he spun with the end zone in sight. But it was eventually demolished from inside the 5-yard line.
“Do you see me trapped in the back too?” He said. “Times have changed. We are definitely in 2021 ”.
Manziel was fired twice, including one in the end zone for safety. His touchdown run reached a reading area, holding the ball for him and entering from two yards out.
“We had a great time,” he said. “This league is fun and everyone here is having a good time, so we’ll keep improving.”