Just in case you haven't been paying any attention to the football world over the past two years, Johnny Manziel has been creating a lot of buzz, especially with his most recent newsworthy event being his pro day. Whether you are one of the fans wowed by Manziel's play or a skeptic like myself, I would like to ask you, what NFL player does Johnny Manziel Remind you of? I encourage you to leave a comment with your player comparison for "Johnny Football"
I am also going to answer my own question regarding Manziel's career taking into account his college performance, popularity, and play style. I warn you ahead of time, after watching Tom Brady my entire life I am a bit of a skeptic towards the "new breed" of quarterbacks, so if I don't think of Manziel in the same way you do feel free to prove me wrong.
First of all looking at Manziel's career at Texas A&M he amassed almost 8000 yards passing and 63 TD's in his brief two years of playing time. From a strictly statistical standpoint Manziel was outstanding in his two years. Completing 69% of his passes with a QBR over 80 for his career and with a long of 95 yards Manziel showed play making ability in an open offense. Not only was his play spectacular, but Manziel also showed statistical progress from his freshman to sophomore season throwing more touchdowns and completing more passes.
As far as accomplishments after winning the Heisman his freshman year, Manziel had the tough task of returning to an unnatural amount of hype, a task he handled adequately finishing 8-4. Overall Manziel was greater known for his unique confidence/arrogance on and off the field. By mixing Manziel's inflated statistics together with his "air it out" style of play" and high profile style of living I believe that Manziel is most like Tony Romo.
Why Tony Romo you ask? Originally I was going to say that Manziel was much like the late Jake "the snake" Plumber when he played for Denver. Both of these players were more shifty than straight line fast,extending plays in the passing game. However Plumber was hardly the accurate arm that Manziel has shown and also didn't have the 'air it out" style of play for most of his career.
Not only does tony Romo have a similar tendency to extend plays and create on offense but he also has the high profile lifestyle. Although not many athletes in the world can compete with Johnny Manziel's media following, and Romo hasn't been in the news nearly as much lately, there was a time earlier in his career when Romo's love interest and golf score were equally as important to the media as his play.On the field Manziel loves to put up huge passing numbers like Romo but he also can be carefree with the ball much like his comparison. For every amazing throw there is a bad pass, and with every miraculous play there is a bonehead fumble.
Manziel also compares to Romo with not living up to expectations. Yes Manziel did have a terrific season statistically his sophomore year but he also only won eight games. Romo, much like Manziel has had great stats but has been unable to consistently win in the NFL.Whether Manziel is a success or not in the NFL will be determined by host of factors, but if he is placed in the right offense with a high volume of throws I think he can succeed in the NFL with good statistics, much like Romo.
Do you think Romo is a legitimate player comparison or do you think differently? Leave a comment or argument below.
Although you are close in the style comparison, it does not hold water. The big difference Manziel doesn’t choke in big moments. I have been a Cowboys fan all my life, 50 years. Manziel is more like Favre than Favre is. He is pure excitement and has that never give up attitude. He will set the NFL on fire, and shut up all the nay sayers. He should of gotten the second Heisman and the only reason he didn’t was because he wouldn’t walk in the “role model” hypocrisy of the NCAA. KICK BUTT JOHNNY!!!