Former Texas A&M football Heisman winning quarterback Johnny Manziel is heading to Canada, signing a two-year deal with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Johnny Manziel last took a snap as a professional football player in 2015 as the quarterback of the Cleveland Browns. After a few rough years away from the game the former Texas A&M football quarterback launched #ComebackSZN, Manziel’s self-described attempt to return to the game he loves.
After a brief appearance at the Spring League and a few Pro Day workouts, someone has decided to take a chance on the recovered quarterback. Manziel announced via social media that he will sign a two-year deal with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL.
Manziel called the decision the “best opportunity for me” and said he was “eager for what the future holds”. He also released a video detailing his next endeavor:
A CFL contract will keep Manziel in Canada through the 2019 season. After two years up North he’ll have an opportunity to continue playing professionally in the NFL. Manziel has made it no secret that’s where he wants to be.
The state of the quarterback position in the NFL is dire, and letting a player like Manziel walk away and play somewhere else is extremely short-sighted. Manziel will be one of the most talented players in the CFL immediately. If things go according to plan he’ll add a few more highlights to his belt and strengthen his case for an NFL return.
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However, even if things don’t work out for Manziel, the CFL signing is a positive sign. Manziel’s off the field issues have been innumerable, yet those have seemingly disappeared over the past year and a half. Proving he has what it takes to play football at a high level would be encouraging, but proving he has his life back in order would be even more powerful. Regardless, it’s going to be fun to watch No. 2 play football again.