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10 Interesting Facts About NFL Draft Prospect Johnny Manziel

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By @MichaelTerrill

10 Interesting Facts About NFL Draft Prospect Johnny Manziel

Johnny Manziel
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Everyone who pays attention to the sports world has heard the name Johnny Manziel. The former Texas A&M quarterback declared for the 2014 NFL Draft, and he’s hopeful that he will land with a team where he can earn a starting job. Manziel holds the attention of fans on the field and keeps the media entertained off it. Check out 10 interesting facts about Manziel that you may not have known previously.

10. First Freshman to Win Heisman Trophy

Heisman Trophy
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10. First Freshman to Win Heisman Trophy

Heisman Trophy
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Manziel became the first freshman quarterback and fifth player in NCAA history to pass for at least 3,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in a single season. That, along with his other impressive numbers, is the reason why he became the first freshman to win the prestigious Heisman Trophy.

9. Origin of Nickname “Johnny Football”

Texas A&M v Mississippi State
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9. Origin of Nickname “Johnny Football”

Johnny Football
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Manziel’s remarkable high school career grabbed the attention of students at Texas A&M prior to him taking his first snap in 2012. His popularity garnered him the nickname “Johnny Football”, which was given to him by the students. “Johnny Football” is a registered trademark, which means no trying to make money off it.

8. Comes From a Wealthy Family

Wealthy Family
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8. Comes From a Wealthy Family

Wealthy Family
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The name Manziel has been well known throughout Texas prior to Johnny ever putting on a football helmet. His great-grandfather became famous in the 1930s after he made a ton of money on an oil investment. It was heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey who fronted Bobby Joe Manziel the 0 to drill for oil in the first place. The name is said to be the stuff of legend, with only about half of the knowledge ever recorded in writing.

7. Dream Job Isn’t Playing Football

Dream Job
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7. Dream Job Isn’t Playing Football

Dream Job
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Professional football is something Manziel would like to take a stab at, but it’s not necessarily his dream job. If professional football comes to a screeching halt, as it has for other notable collegiate athletes, Manziel would like to continue the family name in the oil industry. If that doesn’t work, he also wouldn’t mind a job in real estate.

6. Good at Many Sports

Sports
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6. Good at Many Sports

Sports
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Like most athletes, if they’re good at one sport there’s a good chance they excel at another. Manziel focused on football growing up, but he also played baseball, basketball and golf. In fact, it’s the latter that he’s really become good at in recent years. After winning the Heisman Trophy, Manziel took a trip with his family to California, where he shot a 79 at Pebble Beach.

5. Originally Committed to Oregon, Texas Never Gave Him a Chance

Texas
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5. Originally Committed to Oregon, Texas Never Gave Him a Chance

Texas
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Many wonder why Manziel attended Texas A&M instead of Texas, the school he rooted for growing up. The reason is because Texas never recruited him. What many fans may also not realize is that Manziel was originally committed to play for Oregon, but he changed his mind after talking with Texas A&M quarterbacks coach Tom Rossley.

4. Friends with Celebrities

Celebrities
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4. Friends with Celebrities

Celebrities
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Manziel sits courtside with running back Arian Foster, hangs out with rapper Drake and is good friends with LeBron James. In fact, he even chose James’ LRMR agency to represent him. Whether it’s appearing in commercials or simply spending time together, Manziel and James have quickly become buddies.

3. Has Been Arrested

Arrested
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3. Has Been Arrested

Arrested
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Prior to ever taking a snap, Manziel was arrested for getting in a fight and supplying a fake ID to a police officer. The arrest was almost the cause of Manziel leaving school, which means he never would have made college football history.

2. Huge Endorsement Deal with Nike

Nike
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2. Huge Endorsement Deal with Nike

Nike
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No one knows exactly how much money Nike has invested in Manziel, but what we do know is that it’s the largest contract ever given to a NFL rookie.

1. Tom Brady Seeks His Help

Tom Brady
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1. Tom Brady Seeks His Help

Tom Brady
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Manziel is very gifted when it comes to moving around in the pocket and picking up first downs with his feet. So much so that future Hall of Famer Tom Brady asked him some advice on speed training. Whether Brady was completely serious about it is unknown, but there’s no question Manziel could definitely help improve Brady’s game in that area.

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