Johnny Manziel Says No More Money Sign: Sign Of An All-New ‘Johnny Football’?
Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel reportedly said that the infamous money sign is no more. Speaking of signs, is this the final hint that “Johnny Football” is a thing of the past?
Last year, Manziel was something of a sideshow thanks to all the hype surrounding what the Browns hoped was a promising talent. Unfortunately, that hype deflated in rather dramatic fashion near the close of the 2014-15 season. Johnny saw his money sign used to taunt him after a sack by Cincinnati Bengals defenders. An injury in the very next game brought his season to an end.
Johnny Manziel: ‘The money sign will not be back’ – http://t.co/A5VLOAyNUW pic.twitter.com/nx234tIn5M
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) June 17, 2015
Fans and non-fans alike were disappointed at Johnny Manziel’s on-field and off-field performance last season, which ultimately culminated in a trip to rehab. However, it seems that the months Johnny spent in rehab has worked wonders for him, both as an athlete and a person. The retirement of the “money sign” is probably the most important step in this process.
“Last year is last year,” said Manziel. “It was what it was and it was not very good.” That’s why as Johnny explained on Wednesday at a press conference (his first since rehab) that the money sign “will not be back.”
Reflecting on the immature behavior and “Johnny Football” hype, Manziel said that in retrospect he took the arrogance and taunting too far.
“I didn’t do my best to hush things down, push down the hype. At times, I welcomed it with immaturity and just accepted that a little bit — and that’s my fault.”
Instead of dwelling too much on the past, Manziel is hoping to spend more time focusing on his future in Cleveland.
“[F]or me, I’m trying to close that chapter and just build on what I’ve done so far this year and just move forward, and try to close that chapter in my life. Not one that I’m very proud of, not one that I want to look back on very much and dwell on, that’s for sure.”
At least Johnny Manziel sounds like a changed man, although it may be some time before we see how this translates on the field for the Cleveland Browns. As reported by the New York Daily News, Manziel will begin this season in the same way he did last season — as a backup quarterback. His chance to shine and live up to the college hype may already be behind him.
With Johnny Manziel retiring his trademark money sign, who has the best signature move in the NFL? Tweet us your fav. pic.twitter.com/WNlIeYH3MI
— 120 Sports (@120Sports) June 17, 2015
How do you feel about the “retirement” of the money sign? Do you think Johnny Manziel has truly turned over a new leaf? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
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