Johnny Manziel had so much fun playing in the inaugural season of Fan Controlled Football in 2021 that he has decided to return.
Manziel, 29, won the 2012 Heisman Trophy while playing at Texas A&M and was a first-round pick of the Cleveland Browns in 2014. His NFL career lasted only two years. Manziel spent time in 2018 with the CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Montreal Alouettes, signed with the AAF’s Memphis Express in 2019 before the league folded, and played for the FCF’s Zappers in 2021.
“What can I say? I love playing football and FCF makes it fun – as it should be,” Manziel said. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m back to win and take home the championship, but when it’s all said and done, this is an opportunity to play elite-level football, mentor some young up-and-coming talent, and take part in a new, innovative league that’s redefining this game.”
The league’s second season begins April 16 at the state-of-the-art production studio at Pullman Yards in Atlanta.
Sohrob Farudi, Co-Founder and CEO of Fan Controlled Football:
“Johnny Football is back and we couldn’t be more stoked to have the FCF’s first-ever franchise player back in the league. We’re a fun, forward-thinking and innovative league, but don’t get confused – it’s serious business out on the field, and I’d like to think that’s what brought Johnny back this year. We’re merging the best of both worlds.”
In January, the FCF said it secured a $40 million Series A raise to play for the next two seasons. The league has expanded from four to eight teams for 2022. Farudi, is the co-founder and other celebrity owners include NFL players Dalvin Cook, Austin Ekeler, Richard Sherman, and retired Marshawn Lynch.
