Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel has found just how bright the spotlight on a returning Heisman Trophy-winner can be this offseason. Everything from his ability to get sporting event tickets to his decision to take some online summer classes has come up for discussion in the national media. His family’s lawsuit to protect his “Johnny Football” moniker was even briefly touted as the lawsuit that would bring down the NCAA (it’s not).
But through it all, Manziel insists he hasn’t changed. In an interview with ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit, the Aggies’ star said this weekend that he still sees himself “as the person I was before” the Heisman and the headlines:
“If somebody wants to come up to me and freak out, I don’t get it. I don’t understand it. We did a lot of great things. I’ve been blessed to have done the things I did individually. For me, I don’t see it hat way. I still see myself as young, the same guy I was before I ever won the Heisman. Hopefully my friends still feel I’m the say way. I just want people to know I’m still the same person I’ve always been.”
Manziel also said that he’s enjoying his time in College Station but if the NFL comes calling next offseason (after his redshirt sophomore season), “just like anybody else, the decision will have to be made.”
A&M’s coaching staff has made no secret about the fact that the Aggies need to be prepared for their all-everything QB to take his act to the next level. But that shouldn’t prevent Texas A&M fans from enjoying at least one more season of Manziel’s exploits. Forget the off-field stuff. So long as Johnny Football hasn’t changed his game on the field, Aggie fans will be happy.
Johnny Manziel | 2012 Heisman Winner | Highlights ᴴᴰ
