Texas A&M football legend chosen as College Gameday guest picker for Notre Dame game

Johnny Manziel, Heisman winner and Texas A&M football legend, selected as College Gameday picker for massive opener vs. Notre Dame

Coming into the SEC twelve years ago, there was a lot of uncertainty for Texas A&M football. After boasting a team that was, by the numbers, a top-15 squad in the nation, yet one that finished only 7-6, the Aggies were staring down the barrel of a schedule far more difficult—and now, having to break in a new quarterback following Ryan Tannehill’s departure to the NFL.

I don’t have to do much in the way of description for what ensued in that season, as 2012 is etched indelibly in the mind of every Aggie fan. A freshman phenomenon took Aggieland, and the entire college football world, by storm, peaking with a road victory over the top-ranked, twice-over champion Alabama Crimson Tide.

That freshman quarterback, of course, was Johnny Manziel, who pulled off what no other freshman had ever done when he won the Heisman trophy that year. The Manziel-mania that followed was something that we have seen very seldom ever in the history of this sport, launching the Aggie brand into the foreground and helping establish them in the nation’s toughest conference.

Of course, we also all know that his NFL journey was short and not exactly pleasant. He’s detailed what went down in several different places, but suffice it to say it didn’t take long for him to wash out from the league.

Even though his flame burned out so quickly in the NFL, he’s still one of the most notable figures associated with not only Texas A&M football, but college football in general. The excitement he imparted on Saturday mornings to all who watched his games is still fondly remembered across the country.

That in mind, it made complete sense that he would be the selection for the guest picker on this weekend’s edition of College Gameday, which will be in Aggieland for the opener against Notre Dame. Today, an announcement came down making things official.

This was always the logical choice, of course. Despite his troubles, Johnny is still well-beloved in Aggieland, and he has said himself how much he loves to be back. I have no doubt he will get a warm welcome from the raucous crowd, and will put on a show for the fans.