Barry Switzer Says Johnny Manziel Is An “Arrogant Little Prick”
It’s that time of year when NFL analysts (and everyone at your local sports bar) throw out their opinions of the incoming draft class, and former University of Oklahoma and Dallas Cowboys head coach Barry Switzer has let his feelings be known when it comes to incoming quarterback and former Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel.
“I don’t like his antics. I think he’s an arrogant little prick. I’ve said that and I’ll say it again. He’s a privileged kid, he’s embarrassed himself, he’s embarrassed his teammates, he’s embarrassed his coaches.”
Those are some pretty harsh words from the three-time national championship and one-time Super Bowl winning head coach. Switzer was speaking about Manziel during an appearance on CBS Sports Radio 920 in St. Louis Wednesday morning. You can listen to the entire Barry Switzer interview here.
Despite his thoughts on Johnny Manziel as a person, and let’s face it, that statement is a pretty personal attack, Switzer can’t help but acknowledge the impact that Manziel has had on the field and the difference his presence made for the Texas A&M Aggies the past two seasons.
“He’s the best I’ve seen. I’ve never seen a quarterback in college football take control of a game like he does and put up the numbers he does. It’s fantastic what he’s done against good competition. Game after game after game the numbers he puts up are staggering. And when you watch him, you think he’s a running back. You can’t get to him, he’s quick, he has more quickness than he does speed. He’s elusive. You can’t touch him…. Strong arm. You watch him on film and tape and I’ve watched him enough—the guy is oblivious to the rush. He lets you think you’re going to touch him and then he disappears and he gets away from you and buys time. When a guy does that, guys are going to separate. I don’t care how good you are in pro football, you can’t cover for more than five seconds. Then they’re going to be free.”
That’s pretty high praise for someone you just called “an arrogant little prick”. To Switzer’s credit, Manziel has seen his share of off-field issues, including a first half suspension to open the 2013 season after it was determined he had allowed an agency to use his name and likeness for promotion. Manziel was also accused of being paid to sign autographs, but no conclusive evidence was ever found.
Barry Switzer even took his praise of Manziel one step further:
“And Johnny Manziel gets the ball to people. He’s the most dominant, most dynamic college quarterback I’ve ever seen.”
It would be impossible for Switzer to deny Johnny Manziel’s accomplishments on the field in college football, but it doesn’t sound like Manziel will be on Switzer’s Christmas card list this year.
