Johnny Manziel had a remarkable 2012 season completing 68% of his passing for over 3500 yards, rushing for over 1400 yards, and totaled with 47 touchdowns. Manziel had an overachieving season due to the expectations of a young 19 year old Quarterback in his first starts. He was able to lead Texas A&M to an 11-2 season, including defeating the 2013 National champs Alabama Crimson Tide. No one expected this kid to do this well in his first college career starts and very few knew who he was, unless you were a Texas A&M fan. Now that we do and seen what he can accomplish, Johnny must understand that his brand perception is very important.
Winning the Heisman memorial trophy is more than just holding up a piece of heavy metal. It recognizes the outstanding college football player where performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity. Winners epitomize great ability combined with diligence, perseverance, and hard work. The trust, furthermore, has a charitable mission to support amateur athletes and to provide greater opportunities to the youth of our country. The trustees, who all are guided by a devotion to college football and are committed to community service and the valued tradition which the trophy represents. As a Heisman trophy winner you are a representation of a winning, hard work, leadership, and greatness for that year. You are entrusted in a brotherhood to join previous players who all accomplished the same achievements in their respected years. Not only are you portrayed for that year but you are invited every year to the Heisman trophy ceremony to celebrate your accomplishments and the new inductee for that year. In other words, your achievements are an illustration for of what the Heisman trustees represent for life. With all of this being said, Manziel must understand that he has become an appearance for the Brand of what the Heisman memorial trophy epitomizes for. Anyone that is portrayed to tarnish that brand would be immediately expunged from their records, just like 2005 Heisman winner Reggie Bush.
I do understand that Johnny has not committed any serious crime in late news but it does not mean they are ok either. Would these past situations hurt his draft stocks? The answer is No, but that does not exclude the fact teams are paying attention to his every move. Teams will evaluate that on the field Manziel is a very talented player, but would be more concern about his off-the-field activities. Will he spend time studying film or living life to the fullest? Will he spend his free time preparing to get better? Will he be a great role model, leader, and representation to the organization? These are some questions teams will take in consideration whether they feel they will get their money’s worth or not.
I believe teams are concern that maybe this kid just can't stay out of the limelight lifestyle and will become a distraction to their team. Teams are evaluating these college players even more now because they are afraid to run into another Aaron Hernandez case. They want to know more than just a prospects on-the-field ability but to see if they are worth the investment to their business. Will it start as getting thrown out of a party and end with Manziel being a part of a deadly shootout? We don't know where these small problems could potentially lead to but some organizations are not going to wait to find out the end result either. Teams are just looking out for the best interest of their team, their fans, and most of their entire brand. For all we know, for the best interest of NFL teams and Johnny's family it will be best to attack the small issues now. Just think of it as catching a deadly disease in particular part of the body before it spreads.
Now here is where I have to defend Johnny Manziel from all of the criticism against his actions. Let's not forget that Johnny is only 20 years old. What does that mean? This is a young man who has obtained celebrity life status in just his first two years as a college football player. There were some players that could handle that lifestyle like Cam Newton and Tim Tebow but Manziel is neither of those guys. I'm pretty sure the limelight lifestyle has its temptations especially in the collegiate level. Johnny is just a young man just enjoying the attention that he worked hard for with his great ability to play football. Maturity comes with experience, not age. It also comes from the quality of decisions that we make and have to learn from as we travel this road of longevity. There is a problem if Manziel's off-season actions have any affect against his ability to play football, but if not I believe he will be just fine.
