Johnny Manziel’s NFL career didn’t go according to plan, but the former quarterback has the self-awareness to laugh at himself.
Joe Flacco continued his improbable renaissance when leading the Cleveland Browns to the postseason on Thursday night. The 38-year-old threw for 309 yards, three touchdowns, and a pick in a 37-20 win over the New York Jets.
In just five games with the Browns, Flacco has compiled 1,616 passing yards. The Athletic’s Jason Lloyd noted that the quarterback is already 72 yards behind Manziel for 31st on the team’s all-time leaderboard. (He’s actually 60 yards away from passing Manziel and 72 behind George Ratterman for 30th.)
While that observation doesn’t paint Manziel in the best light, Johnny Football rolled with the punches.
“Some records were meant to be broken,” Manziel responded.
Onlookers appreciated Manziel’s light-hearted reaction.
“I like self deprecating funny adulting Johnny,” former NFL cornerback Dustin Fox wrote. “This is great.”
I like self deprecating funny adulting Johnny. This is great. https://t.co/p07dsl5Veh
— Dustin Fox (@DustinFox37) December 30, 2023
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
“Say what you will about his pro career, which is merely a snapshot of a man’s life. Johnny is self aware and that is a trait that is truly lacking amongst humanity at this point in time,” a fan wrote. “Hats off to Mr. Manziel.”
Say what you will about his pro career, which is merely a snapshot of a man’s life. Johnny is self aware and that is a trait that is truly lacking amongst humanity at this point in time. Hats off to Mr Manziel. https://t.co/ho6rlgmwkZ
— Jason Heck (@mulletmilitia99) December 30, 2023
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
“I love how much of a good sport he is about it,” another fan said.
I love how much of a good sport he is about it 😂 Johnny Football is a legend https://t.co/zChywM3mzu
— jandro (@_alejandror11) December 29, 2023
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
“Well played,” a fan wrote.
Well played https://t.co/XFeyDRTRbE
— Pete S. (@mnsungod16) December 30, 2023
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
It’s an understatement to say that Manziel didn’t live up to expectations. The former Heisman Trophy winner averaged a paltry 119.6 passing yards through 14 games, only once exceeding 300.
Flacco, on the other hand, has eclipsed 300 yards in four straight Browns victories. He also has more passing touchdowns (13) this month than the seven Manziel mustered during his disappointing NFL career.
While Flacco is going strong in his 16th NFL season, Manziel didn’t last as many games before getting cast out of the league. He’ll watch as the Browns aim for their first-ever Super Bowl appearance.