The XFL didn’t want Johnny Manziel.
“I would argue that the players we have are better, to be honest with you. Johnny has his own history, and we have coaches from the CFL who have seen him close up,” XFL commissioner Oliver Luck told The Tampa Bay Times.
“I think the guys we have on our teams are the best 560 that aren’t playing in the National Football League.”
Evidently the celebrity quarterback doesn’t want the XFL either. Manziel responded after being asked by a fan if he was going to play in the Xtreme Football League and stated: just not playing for another league that’s going to fold on you midway through the season.
I’m not good enough, remember? https://t.co/iAXNar29nh
— Johnny Manziel (@JManziel2) February 8, 2020
ComebackSZN still alive if y’all ain’t know. Just not playing for another league that’s going to fold on you midway through the season
— Johnny Manziel (@JManziel2) February 8, 2020
After the CFL forced the Montreal Alouettes to release Manziel and informed all of its member clubs that it will not register a contract for the dual-threat quarterback, he wound up in the now-defunct Alliance of American Football for a short stint. But Manziel has been out of football since, even when many people felt the XFL could be a spot for the troubled quarterback.
The Tyler, Texas native signed with Hamilton in May 2018 where he worked briefly with current Houston Roughnecks head coach June Jones. Jeremiah Masoli opened that season with a hot hand, relegating Manziel to clipboard duty. The Ticats traded the celebrity QB to the Alouettes in a blockbuster deal as Montreal sent Canadian defensive end Jamaal Westerman, receiver Chris Williams and two first round draft picks to Hamilton in exchange for Manziel with offensive linemen Tony Washington and Landon Rice.
The Alouettes made the deal for Manziel to become their starting quarterback. But his 2-6 win-loss record as Montreal’s starter was disappointing, especially when you consider the original salary ask was to be on par with what Hamilton had paid their QB in recent years despite not having much on-field success.
If I never pick up a ball again it’s all love. I was the most lit, most relatable college football player to ever do it. Did things my way and made it way further than I ever could of imagined. The game gave me life and I’ll forever be grateful
— Johnny Manziel (@JManziel2) February 8, 2020
Ever since suiting up for the Memphis Express, Manziel has been a football free agent. Although, Manziel’s insurance sales gig might be lucrative because he can ride his celebrity status instead of putting in the required work to be productive in any pro football league.