Johnny Manziel may have ruined his last chance at the NFL

Heisman winner and former Texas A&M football star Johnny Manziel was released by the CFL today, which may have been his last chance at an NFL comeback.

Johnny Manziel has been focused on making a return to the NFL ever since he was released by the Cleveland Browns after the 2015 season. The former Heisman winner, Texas A&M football star and first round pick of the Browns in the 2014 NFL Draft had troubles off the field in his brief stint at the next level. He checked himself into rehab at one point but couldn’t seem to get out of his own way.

2018 seemed to be steps in the right direction. He appeared at multiple Pro Days, one for the University of San Diego and the other throwing for fellow Aggies, made an appearance in the Spring League last year and finally signed a two-year contract with the Hamilton Tigers of the CFL. It would have been unconventional, but he needed NFL scouts to see him throw, so it was his best opportunity.

He was eventually traded to the Montreal Alouettes, a fantastic move given Hamilton had a proven starter on their roster and Manziel was relegated to backup duty. He joined the coach who recruited him at Texas A&M, Mike Sherman.

Manziel finished the 2018 season with eight starts, going 109-for-165 for 1,290 yards, five touchdowns and seven interceptions. Four of those picks came in his first game, so he settled down as the season went along. He also ran for 215 yards on 29 carries.

Unfortunately, all of this momentum came crashing down when the Montreal Alouettes released Manziel today at the direction of the CFL, citing Manziel had contravened the agreement which made him eligible to play in the league.

"“We are disappointed by this turn of events. Johnny was provided a great deal of support by our organization, in collaboration with the CFL, but he has been unable to abide by the terms of his agreement,” said General Manager Kavis Reed in a statement. “We worked with the league and presented alternatives to Johnny, who was unwilling to proceed.”"

The CFL also informed teams they would not honor any contract Manziel signed with other CFL teams. The agreement Manziel originally signed was confidential, so we do not yet know what actually happened to break his deal with the CFL, but it can’t be good.

By any realistic expectations, this was probably Manziel’s final shot at a return to the NFL. He could play professional football in the AAF or the coming XFL, but at this moment it feels like the NFL is a long shot.

Johnny posted a response on Twitter, his first post since December 2, 2018.

God speed, Johnny.

Jeff Shull is the Site Expert for the Gig Em Gazette on FanSided. Follow him on Twitter, and be sure to follow the Gig Em Gazette on Facebook and Twitter.