Johnny Manziel, once a celebrated college football star, captured the hearts of fans with his electrifying playing style and larger-than-life persona.
Known as “Johnny Football,” he became a household name after winning the Heisman Trophy in 2012, making history as the first freshman to do so. His journey from a promising young athlete to an NFL player and beyond has been filled with highs and lows, leading many to wonder about his current financial status.
Despite his early success, Manziel’s career took unexpected turns, marked by controversies and struggles both on and off the field.
In this article, we will delve into Johnny Manziel’s net worth, exploring his early life and career, and examining how he made his money—and what led to his current situation.
What is Johnny Manziel’s Net Worth?
As of 2024, Johnny Manziel’s net worth is estimated at around $1 million according to sources like Celebrity Net Worth.
Other estimates suggest it could be as high as $6 million, but this discrepancy highlights the challenges in accurately assessing a celebrity’s financial status due to varying income streams and personal expenditures.
His earnings primarily stemmed from his time in the NFL and various endorsement deals during his peak. Manziel’s NFL career was relatively short-lived; he played two seasons with the Cleveland Browns after being drafted 22nd overall in the 2014 NFL Draft.
During this time, he earned approximately $7.7 million in salary from his rookie contract, which was valued at $8.25 million over four years. Additionally, he garnered around $10 million through endorsements with brands like Nike and Nissan before controversies led to many of these partnerships dissolving.
His Early Life
Johnny Manziel was born on December 6, 1992, in Tyler, Texas. He attended Tivy High School in Kerrville, where he excelled in both football and baseball.
His remarkable high school performance laid the foundation for a successful college career at Texas A&M University. At A&M, he quickly rose to stardom, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities as both a passer and runner.
His freshman year was particularly noteworthy; he threw for over 3,700 yards and rushed for nearly 1,200 yards, earning him numerous accolades including the prestigious Heisman Trophy 23.
His sudden rise captured national attention and set high expectations for his future in professional football.
His Career
Manziel’s transition to the NFL was highly anticipated but fraught with challenges.
After being selected by the Cleveland Browns in 2014, expectations were sky-high for him to revitalize a struggling franchise. However, his time in the league was marred by inconsistent performances and off-field issues that hindered his development as a player.
During his two seasons with the Browns, Manziel played in just 15 games, throwing for 1,675 yards with seven touchdowns against five interceptions before being released in 2016 due to behavioral concerns.
Following his NFL stint, he attempted to continue his football career in various leagues including the Canadian Football League (CFL) and Fan Controlled Football (FCF), but never regained the prominence he once had.
Johnny Manziel Age
As of 2024, Johnny Manziel is 31 years old. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout his career, he remains a figure of interest due to his past successes and ongoing endeavors.
Johnny Manziel Wife and Children
Currently, Johnny Manziel is not married and has no children. However, he has been linked romantically to Kenzie Werner since around 2020.
Their relationship has garnered media attention as they often share glimpses of their life together on social media platforms. While Manziel has faced personal struggles publicly, it appears that he has found some stability in his personal life through this relationship.
How Johnny Manziel Made His Money
Initially earning significant sums from his NFL contract—totaling around $7.7 million—he also made substantial income through endorsements valued at approximately $10 million during his time with the Browns. However, many lucrative deals fell through after controversies emerged regarding his lifestyle choices.
In addition to these earnings from football and endorsements, Manziel has dabbled in entrepreneurship. He opened a sports bar named “Johnny Manziel’s Money Bar” near Texas A&M University.
Where Does Johnny Manziel Live?
Johnny Manziel resides in Scottsdale, Arizona. This location marks a significant shift from his earlier life in Texas as he seeks a quieter lifestyle away from the intense scrutiny that accompanied his football career.
Living in Scottsdale allows him some privacy while still being close enough to stay connected with friends and former colleagues from the sports world.
What Happened to Johnny Manziel?
After achieving remarkable success at Texas A&M and briefly in the NFL, Johnny Manziel faced numerous personal challenges including substance abuse issues that contributed to his early departure from professional football.
His struggles have been documented extensively in media outlets and most recently highlighted in Netflix’s documentary Untold: Johnny Football, which chronicles both his rise and subsequent decline.
Despite these challenges, there are signs that Manziel is working towards rebuilding his life outside of football. He has expressed a desire for a more grounded existence away from the pressures of professional sports.
What controversies affected Johnny Manziel’s NFL career and net worth?
One of the earliest controversies that affected Manziel was the NCAA investigation into allegations that he had accepted money for autographs while at Texas A&M. This situation escalated into a national story, as rumors circulated about his family’s supposed oil wealth, which turned out to be exaggerated.
Manziel later admitted in a Netflix documentary that he fabricated the story about being an oil heir to deflect attention from the fact that he had made around $33,000 from signing autographs. This revelation not only tarnished his reputation but also led to scrutiny from the NCAA, culminating in a half-game suspension during his college career.
Once in the NFL, Manziel’s issues continued to mount. His time with the Cleveland Browns was marred by substance abuse problems and reckless behavior. Reports of excessive partying and legal troubles, including a domestic violence incident involving his then-girlfriend, further damaged his public image and professional standing.
In 2016, he was suspended for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, which ultimately led to his release from the Browns after just two seasons. These off-field issues not only curtailed his playing time but also resulted in significant financial losses, including the termination of endorsement deals with major brands like Nike.
Initially projected to earn upwards of $100 million throughout his career based on endorsements and salary, he ended up making approximately $18 million before taxes during his time in football.
His NFL contract was worth $8.25 million, but after being cut from the Browns, he faced challenges securing lucrative deals in other leagues like the CFL due to his tarnished reputation.
Consequently, his net worth has been estimated at around $1 million, a stark contrast to earlier projections influenced by his college success and initial NFL promise
Real Estate Investments
One notable purchase was a home in Avon, Ohio for $400,000, which he later sold for about $480,000 after listing it for sale. These transactions indicate an understanding of real estate markets but also highlight how personal circumstances can impact such decisions.
While it’s unclear how active he remains in real estate investments today, these early ventures showcase another aspect of how athletes can diversify their income streams beyond their primary careers.
FAQ about Johnny Manziel
What does Johnny Manziel do for a living now?
Currently, Johnny Manziel has transitioned into entrepreneurship and personal branding. He opened a sports bar called Johnny Manziel’s Money Bar in College Station, Texas, which is near Texas A&M University, where he gained fame as a college football star.
What ended Johnny Manziel career?
Johnny Manziel’s NFL career was primarily cut short due to a combination of off-field issues, including substance abuse and behavioral problems. After being drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2014, he played only two seasons before being released in 2016 following a series of controversies, including missing practices due to partying and legal troubles related to domestic violence. His struggles with mental health, including being diagnosed with bipolar disorder, further complicated his professional life.
What helmet did Johnny Manziel wear?
During his time in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns, Johnny Manziel wore a Riddell Speed helmet, which was standard for many players at that time. The Riddell Speed helmet is known for its lightweight design and advanced safety features aimed at reducing concussions and other head injuries.
How fast was Johnny Manziel?
Johnny Manziel was known for his impressive speed and agility as a quarterback. He reportedly ran a 4.68-second 40-yard dash during his pro day before the NFL Draft in 2014. His ability to escape pressure and make plays with his legs was a significant aspect of his playing style, contributing to his reputation as a dual-threat quarterback during his collegiate career at Texas A&M.
What teams did Johnny Manziel play for after the NFL?
After his time with the Cleveland Browns, Johnny Manziel played in several leagues, including the Canadian Football League (CFL) for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Montreal Alouettes in 2018. He also joined the Alliance of American Football (AAF) in 2019 with the Memphis Express but faced challenges as the league folded mid-season. Most recently, he played for the Zappers in the Fan Controlled Football league from 2021 to 2022.
