Former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) prepares for a developmental Spring League game, Saturday, April 7, 2018, in Austin, Texas. Manziel is hoping to impress NFL scouts in his bid to return to the league. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League traded former Cleveland Browns quarterback and 2012 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel on Sunday even though he never played a single down for the team.
The Montreal Alouettes acquired Manziel, international offensive lineman Tony Washington and national offensive lineman Landon Rice and sent national defensive end Jamaal Westerman, international wide receiver Chris Williams and first-round selections in 2020 and 2021 to the Tiger-Cats.
Manziel sat behind quarterback Jeremiah Masoli with Hamilton, and the CFL's announcement noted the former Oregon Ducks signal-caller tied a league record with nine consecutive games with 300 or more passing yards. The former Texas A&M quarterback likely wasn't going to see much playing time staying put.
That could change with Montreal, though, which is in need of a boost. The Alouettes are an ugly 1-4 through five contests and rank dead last in the league with 69 total points. They are also a mere seventh out of nine in passing yards.
There is also familiarity in place, as Montreal is coached by Mike Sherman, who was Manziel's college coach during his redshirt freshman campaign in 2011.
Sports Illustratednoted Manziel is signed with the CFL through the 2019 season, but the 2014 first-round pick of the Browns appeared in 15 NFL games and has told TMZ he wants to return to the league in the future.
Terrell Owens 'Absolutely' Wants to Play in CFL, Starts Talks with Edmonton
Jul 17, 2018
Terrell Owens arrives at the Kids' Choice Awards at The Forum on Saturday, March 24, 2018, in Inglewood, Calif. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
Soon-to-be Hall of Fame wide receiver Terrell Owens is serious about continuing his professional football career in the CFL.
Owens' agent, Jason Staroszik, told TSN's Dave Naylor on Monday that T.O. "absolutely 100 percent" wants to play in the CFL.
If Owens and the Eskimos don't come to terms on a deal in 10 days, he will be released from their negotiation list and will be free to sign with any team.
Per Naylor, Staroszik added, "[Owens] still feels like he has some football years left in him. He just loves the game and wants to get back to playing whether it’s the CFL or NFL."
The 44-year-old Owens hasn't appeared in an NFL regular-season game since 2010 with the Cincinnati Bengals.
After spending some time in the Indoor Football League in 2011, Owens signed with the Seattle Seahawks in 2012.
The Seahawks released Owens prior to the start of the 2012 regular season, however.
Despite being out of the NFL for several years, Owens has been vocal about wanting to make a comeback.
In June, Owens tweeted at San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch and pitched signing with the team to help aid quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo in his development:
Owens spent the first eight seasons of his NFL career with the Niners before enjoying stints with the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills and Bengals.
T.O. is statistically one of the greatest wideouts in NFL history, as he ranks eighth all-time in receptions (1,078), second in receiving yards (15,934) and third in receiving touchdowns (153).
Owens was finally named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year, but heannouncedon July 3 that he will not attend the induction ceremony in Canton, Ohio.
Instead, Owens will give a speech at his alma mater, Tennessee-Chattanooga, on Aug. 4.
If Owens comes to terms on a deal with the Eskimos, he will be eligible to play in the CFL during the 2018 season, which is currently through its first five weeks.
Johnny Manziel Deserves NFL Shot, Tiger-Cats Head Coach June Jones Says
Jun 21, 2018
CALGARY, AB - JUNE 16: Johnny Manziel #2 of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats during warm-ups prior to a CFL game against the Calgary Stampeders at McMahon Stadium on June 16, 2018 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images)
Hamilton Tiger-Cats head coach June Jones believes Johnny Manziel deserves a second chance to play in the National Football League.
Per ESPN's David Hamilton, Jones explained that Manziel's work with the CFL team will help him get another shot in the NFL.
"I've been pleasantly surprised the last three weeks what a good teammate he is, how smart he is, how he sees the game," Jones said. "He should be playing in the National Football League, and I believe he will when he gets through with us."
Jones also offered a potential timetable for Manziel to get back to the NFL.
"It'll take two years," he said. "They're [NFL executives, coaches] waiting to see that he's taken care of his off-the-field problems."
After being out of football for more than two years, Manziel signed a two-year contract with the Tiger-Cats in May.
"Made the decision today to sign my contract with the CFL and further my football career after a long break," hewroteon Twitter. "Very grateful for everyone that's been supporting me along the way. I believe this is the best opportunity for me moving forward and I'm eager for what the future holds."
Now 25 years old, Manzielannouncedin February he had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He was cut by the Cleveland Browns, who drafted him No. 22 overall in 2014, after two seasons.
Manziel is the backup quarterback to Jeremiah Masoli for the Tiger-Cats, who opened their season on June 16 against Calgary. The 2012 Heisman Trophy winner went 12-of-20 for 88 yards in a June 9 preseason game against Montreal.
Johnny Manziel Throws 1st CFL TD Pass in Preseason Win vs. Montreal Alouettes
Jun 9, 2018
HAMILTON, ON - JUNE 1: Johnny Manziel #2 of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats looks to pass against the Toronto Argonauts during a pre-season game at Tim Hortons Field on June 1, 2018 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Toronto defeated Hamilton 36-18. (Photo by John E. Sokolowski/Getty Images)
Hamilton Tiger-Cats quarterback Johnny Manziel threw his first career touchdown pass in his second CFL preseason appearance against the Montreal Alouettes on Saturday.
Johnny Football entered the game in the second quarter and finished with 88 yards and one touchdown on 12-of-20 passing, as well as 19 rushing yards on four carries in Hamilton's 30-15 win at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium in Montreal.
Manziel's touchdown toss came with just over four minutes remaining in the first half, as he found former Green Bay Packers and New York Jets running back Alex Green in the flat for a three-yard score:
In his second CFL preseason appearance, Johnny Manziel has his first CFL touchdown! 🚨 pic.twitter.com/D7DX33t3Mt
The 2012 Heisman Trophy winner is known for celebrating his touchdowns in style, but as pointed out by TSN's Matthew Scianitti, there was nothing over the top about his reaction:
Johnny Manziel just threw his first touchdown in the #CFL. No money sign.
Prior to Manziel taking the field, Hamilton was trailing Montreal 14-0 and struggling to get anything going offensively.
Starter Jeremiah Masoli didn't play Saturday in preparation for the regular season, which led Hamilton head coach June Jones to give Bryant Moniz the start.
Moniz went just 3-of-7 for 17 yards and one interception during his stint.
Manziel's second drive was more challenging, as Jabar Westerman set him back with a sack on second down, leading to a punt:
Manziel and Co. could not muster any additional points, though, and they entered the locker room trailing 14-7.
Late in the first half, Montreal linebacker Henoc Muamba took down Manziel with a late hit.
In a halftime interview with Didier Ormejuste of RDS (h/t Scianitti), Muamba seemingly admitted to trying to send Manziel a message, saying he wanted to show Johnny Football "we're here, and we're not going to back down."
Manziel didn't appear to be shaken, as he remained in the lineup to start the second half and kept the Ti-Cats offense moving.
Arguably his most impressive play of the game came early in the third quarter when he rolled to the left, threw against his body and completed a pass for a first down:
That drive marked the end of Manziel's day, and it was a successful outing considering Hamilton scored 23 unanswered points after he entered the game.
Manziel is set to serve in a backup capacity to Masoli to start the regular season, and the Tiger-Cats' first game will take place next Saturday against the Calgary Stampeders.
Johnny Manziel on Argonauts Altercation: 'I'm Not Gonna Be Treated Like S--t'
Jun 2, 2018
HAMILTON, ON - MAY 28: Johnny Manziel #2 of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats takes part in a preseason practice session at Ron Joyce Stadium on May 28, 2018 in Hamilton, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
Johnny Manziel's CFL debut included a heated moment when he exchanged words with some members of the Toronto Argonauts during Friday's preseason clash at Tim Hortons Field.
"I'm not here to be pushed over," Manziel explained, per ESPN.com's Mike Rodak. "You can come at me, 'cause my name's in the papers, because my name's on TV—you can come at me. I'm not backing down. I'm here for a reason; I'm here to play ball. I'm not gonna be treated like s--t."
Other than the brief verbal altercation, Manziel acquitted himself nicely in his first game with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Operating in relief of starter Jeremiah Masoli, the Cleveland Browns' 2014 first-round pick completed nine of 11 passes for 80 yards. He also logged 10 yards on two carries.
The Tiger-Cats will be back in action June 9 against the Montreal Alouettes.
Johnny Manziel Throws for 80 Yards vs. Toronto in Debut for CFL's Tiger-Cats
Jun 1, 2018
HAMILTON, ON - MAY 28: Johnny Manziel #2 of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats takes part in a preseason practice session at Ron Joyce Stadium on May 28, 2018 in Hamilton, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)
Johnny Manziel returned to the professional gridiron Friday night for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats' preseason opener and flashed a bit of promise against the Toronto Argonauts at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, Ontario.
Manziel, who last suited up in 2015 for the Cleveland Browns, finished his CFL debut 9-of-11 passing for 80 yards after entering as the second-string signal-caller in the second quarter.
Jeremiah Masoli drew the start ahead of Manziel and completed eight of 13 passes for 115 yards, one touchdown and a pair of interceptions.
Once Masoli's evening came to a close, Manziel entered to a nice ovation from the home crowd:
The 2012 Heisman Trophy winner proceeded to fire a nine-yard strike to former Oklahoma wide receiver Jalen Saunders on his first snap before his opening drive ended in a turnover on downs:
Following a 3-of-3 start, Manziel trotted out for a second drive that ended in one of Hamilton's seven first-half turnovers:
Johnny Manziel’s second possession wasn’t pretty. He got pass off after bad snap on first play, but WR dropped it. Then Manziel completed his second pass and had the WR fumble it.
Manziel 4/5 at the half. 4.8 air yds per attempt (CFL average in 2017 was 9.6). All horizontal routes. 1 inaccurate completion, 1 a hair off target. #Ticats
Manziel stayed in to start the second half, but a two-and-out that featured some questionable decision-making forced him back to the sidelines to regroup before heading out for his fifth and final series.
Johnny Manziel’s fourth possession went nowhere. He was pressured and dangerously lobbed ball on first down, completed pass for only 6 yards on second down, and Hamilton had an illegal punt out of bounds on third down.
Some #Argos players are sharing their sideline “scouting report” of Manziel with me. The clean version: “Keep (Manziel) in the pocket, and he’ll have problems... if he gets out of the pocket he can do things” #CFL
Head coach June Jones has made it clear Manziel won't start Week 1, but if he can continue to get comfortable in Hamilton's quick-strike offense and settle into a more comfortable rhythm as a pocket passer, it stands to reason he could contend for snaps later in the season.
Johnny Manziel's night is done. Pretty solid showing for first game in 2.5 years.
Finished 9-12 for 80 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT, 2 carries for 10 yards, took 2 sacks.
Flashed athleticism, ability to extend play and keep eyes down field, decent arm strength.
The Tiger-Cats will wrap their preseason slate June 9 against the Montreal Alouettes as they continue preparations for a Week 1 clash with the Calgary Stampeders.
Johnny Manziel to Back Up Jeremiah Masoli for Hamilton's Entire Season
May 24, 2018
FILE - In this April 7, 2018, file photo, former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) prepares for a developmental Spring League football game in Austin, Texas. Manziel is heading to the Canadian Football League, the latest move for the Heisman Trophy winner whose NFL career was a bust with the Cleveland Browns. The quarterback said on Twitter on Saturday, May 19, 2018, he signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)
Hamilton Tiger-Cats head coach June Jones expects Johnny Manziel to serve as the backup to Jeremiah Masoli for the entire 2018 CFL season.
According to ESPN.com's Mike Rodak, Jones said after Wednesday's practice: "I would say Jeremiah is doing very, very well. Until something creates for me to take him out of there, I would say he'll be our starter for the whole year, hopefully, and win the Grey Cup."
Manziel signed with the Tiger-Cats on Saturday and made a two-year commitment to play for the team.
The 29-year-old Masoli, who played collegiately at Oregon and Ole Miss, has been Hamilton's primary starter in each of the past two seasons.
In 2017, Masoli threw for 3,177 yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions while rushing for 446 yards and four scores.
While Johnny Football is currently viewed as a backup, Ticats wide receiver Jalen Saunders expressed his belief Wednesday that Manziel looks to be in fine form: "He looks like himself out there. He made some great plays, running around and whatnot. He's been throwing. His arm looks live. ... He's older, more mature now. He has the pro experience from the NFL. He has some things he's picking up as we're going, but he looks great out here."
With the exception of the Spring League, the 25-year-old Manziel last played a competitive game of football in 2015.
After Manziel's successful collegiate career at Texas A&M, which included his winning the Heisman Trophy, the Cleveland Browns selected him with the No. 22 overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft.
In two seasons with the Browns, Manziel went 2-6 as a starter and finished with 1,675 passing yards, seven touchdowns and seven interceptions as well as 259 rushing yards and one score.
Off-field issues led to his release, but Manziel will have a chance to rebuild his value in Canada even if the initial plan is for him to sit and learn behind Masoli.
Johnny Manziel's Hamilton Tiger-Cats Given 2nd-Best Betting Odds to Win Grey Cup
May 21, 2018
Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel during drills at his alma mater during Texas A&M's football Pro Day in College Station, Texas, Tuesday, March 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are the No. 2 betting favorite behind the Calgary Stampeders to win the Grey Cup in the 2018 CFL season.
According to OddsShark, the Tiger-Cats have 11-2 odds of capturing their ninth Grey Cup. The Stampeders, who lost in the 2017 Grey Cup final to the Toronto Argonauts, have 11-5 odds.
Hamilton will be hoping 2012 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel can make a big splash in his first season north of the border. He announced Saturday he formally signed his contract with the Ticats. Manziel hasn't played competitive football since Week 16 of the 2015 NFL regular season.
The Ticats are coming off their second straight losing season and missed out on the playoffs for the first time since 2012. Jeremiah Masoli returns as the team's starting quarterback, having thrown for 3,177 yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions in 2017.
Johnny Manziel Fails to Sign CFL Contract by Deadline
Jan 31, 2018
Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel warms up before an NFL football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Cleveland Browns, Monday, Nov. 30, 2015, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Johnny Manziel's hopes of playing in the CFL may be dashed after he failed to agree on a contract with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats by Wednesday, which he had outlined as his final day of negotiations, ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert reported.
According to Seifert, the Tiger-Cats still have exclusive negotiating rights with Manziel, and the team released a statement in which it didn't eliminate the possibility of signing the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner.
"While the discussions with Johnny Manziel and his representative have been very cordial and informative, there is nothing imminent and nothing to report," the Tiger-Cats said. "We will continue to do our due diligence and will have no further public comment on the matter as we move forward."
Manziel's agent, Erik Burkhardt, released a statement January 8 saying Manziel would wait until this Wednesday "to work out a fair deal" with Hamilton. Were the deadline to pass, he and Burkhardt "will turn our focus to several other professional options."
One of those professional options may be pursuing an opportunity to play in the XFL, which is set to return in 2020. Manziel directed a tweet to WWE chairman Vince McMahon when McMahon was announcing his plans for the league:
McMahon had said anybody with a criminal record would be unable to play in the XFL, but ESPN's Darren Rovell reported the league had yet to formally remove Manziel from the possible player pool.
Manziel pleaded guilty to a charge of "failing to properly identify himself to police," which stemmed from an arrest in June 2012.
The 25-year-old hasn't played professionally since his final season with the Cleveland Browns in 2015. He threw for 1,500 yards, seven touchdowns and five interceptions in 10 games before the team waived him in March 2016.
Johnny Manziel Ruled Eligible to Play in CFL; Rights Owned by Tiger-Cats
Dec 28, 2017
FILE - In this Dec. 27, 2015, file photo, Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo. Manziel's footwork, decision making and grasp of a pro offense improved significantly in his second season. But now that it is over, the Browns want him to concentrate on his off-field issues. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga, File)
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats announced Thursday that quarterback Johnny Manziel has been ruled eligible to play in the CFL in 2018.
As seen in the following statement provided by NHL.com's Jamie Thomas, it was determined by CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie that Johnny Football can play next season provided he meets the conditions set before him:
The Tiger-Cats currently have exclusive negotiating rights with Manziel.
A 10-day window was triggered for the Tiger-Cats to sign Manziel after he worked out for them in August, but Ambrosie extended the window before deciding against allowing him to play in the CFL in 2017, per ESPN.com'sKevin Seifert.
Despite ruling him ineligible for 2017, Ambrosie had positive things to say about Manziel with regard to the meeting he had with him in September, according toSeifert:
"He represented himself incredibly well [in the meeting]. He was thoughtful. I found him to be authentic and sincere. I also felt like he seems to have come to a good place in his life. He was talking a lot about his family. Now, I should say that's part of the problem. My bias is towards family. So when I'm with somebody in there talking about my family, immediately I feel good about the conversation.
"That's exactly why we feel for any player who has had some trouble in their past. It's important to not let the laypeople be the only part of the decision-making process. That's why we've implemented a process where we'll lean very heavily on experts who have training and skill that will allow them to really understand where somebody is in their personal journey and be able to give me wise counsel."
Manziel's brief NFL career was marred by off-field issues, including adomestic violence chargethat was dropped.
The Cleveland Browns selected Manziel with the No. 22 overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft after a standout collegiate career at Texas A&M that saw him win the Heisman Trophy.
In two seasons with the Browns, Johnny Football went 2-6 as a starter and finished with 1,675 passing yards, seven touchdowns and seven interceptions to go along with 259 rushing yards and one score.
Manziel hasn't played in a game since the Browns released him following the 2015 campaign.
