Club Shay Shay - Johnny Manziel Part 2 REWIND
Release Date: July 9, 2025
Introduction and Background
In the second part of his candid conversation on Club Shay Shay, NFL legend Johnny Manziel delves deeper into his tumultuous journey from a celebrated college quarterback to his struggles in the professional league and personal life. Host Shannon Sharpe guides the discussion, uncovering the layers behind Johnny's rise, fall, and ongoing quest for redemption.
Financial Struggles and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness)
Johnny opens up about his early days managing the influx of money following his Heisman Trophy win. He addresses rumors about signing thousands of items for free and the challenges of handling substantial financial opportunities.
[02:25] Johnny Manziel: "I need 70 bands a month. How the hell am I travel to Miami with seven bands?"
Johnny highlights the disparity between the revenue generated from his jersey sales and the stipend he received, expressing frustration over financial inequities within the NCAA framework.
[11:10] Shannon Sharpe: "But when you see Texas A&M making 45 million in jersey sales and Johnny Manziel getting $700 in a stipend, that doesn't sit right with you, does it?"
Personal Struggles and Addiction
Manziel candidly discusses his battle with substance abuse, detailing how partying and drug use became coping mechanisms amid the pressures of fame and expectations.
[28:19] Johnny Manziel: "At that point in time in my life, I felt like the harder I partied, the better that I played."
He recounts his experiences with alcohol and harder drugs, emphasizing the detrimental impact they had on his career and personal well-being.
[42:47] Shannon Sharpe: "So that's the new thing now. Touche. You right about that, bro."
Relationships with Coaches and Teammates
Johnny reflects on his interactions with coaches and teammates, particularly during his time with the Cleveland Browns. He shares his admiration for figures like Josh McCown and regrets over strained relationships with others.
[65:10] Johnny Manziel: "Was pure and blatant disrespect to them for giving me everything that I could have ever needed to be successful."
Manziel discusses how conflicts within the quarterback room and lack of support led to a decline in his performance and personal state.
[60:24] Johnny Manziel: "I didn't know what work like that was. I didn't know what the grind was because I was great at Texas A&M without it."
Reflections and Regrets
Throughout the episode, Johnny expresses deep remorse for his past actions, acknowledging how his behavior negatively impacted not only his career but also those around him, including family, coaches, and teammates.
[74:16] Johnny Manziel: "I would have known how to handle myself. I would have known how important and imperative it is to be a better teammate than just numbers on the field on Saturday."
He discusses specific regrets, such as his conduct during pivotal games and his inability to fully embrace and respect the support from influential figures like LeBron James and Skip Bayless.
[76:04] Johnny Manziel: "I regret wasting a couple of Joe Thomas last years in Cleveland. I regret disrespecting LeBron and not making..."
Current State and Future Plans
In the latter part of the conversation, Johnny shares his current state of mind, emphasizing his ongoing journey towards self-improvement and the importance of his family and close friends in keeping him grounded.
[78:40] Johnny Manziel: "Probably the happiest I've ever been in my life. I feel like I'm on the right path to where I need to go. And as Johnny Manziel, not as Johnny Football."
He outlines his focus on personal growth, financial stability, and being a positive influence for his nieces and family members, indicating a significant shift from his past behaviors.
[80:27] Johnny Manziel: "All of these things led up to be the perfect failure. And at the end of the day, it's on my shoulders."
Conclusion
Club Shay Shay provides an unfiltered look into Johnny Manziel's life, highlighting his struggles with fame, financial management, addiction, and personal relationships. Through honest reflection and acknowledgment of his past mistakes, Johnny conveys a message of hope and resilience, showcasing his determination to rebuild his life and make amends.
Notable Quotes:
- [02:25] Johnny Manziel: "I need 70 bands a month. How the hell am I travel to Miami with seven bands?"
- [28:19] Johnny Manziel: "At that point in time in my life, I felt like the harder I partied, the better that I played."
- [74:16] Johnny Manziel: "I would have known how to handle myself. I would have known how important and imperative it is to be a better teammate than just numbers on the field on Saturday."
- [78:40] Johnny Manziel: "Probably the happiest I've ever been in my life. I feel like I'm on the right path to where I need to go. And as Johnny Manziel, not as Johnny Football."
Timestamp Highlights:
- 00:35 - 01:53: Introduction to Johnny’s financial dealings and early challenges.
- 02:12 - 07:59: Discussion on NIL impacts and Johnny's financial needs.
- 08:09 - 16:55: Reflections on fame, relationships with managers, and comparisons with Reggie Bush.
- 17:02 - 32:17: Insights into coaching changes, team dynamics, and personal academic life.
- 32:44 - 43:28: Journey through addiction, party life, and its effect on his NFL career.
- 43:28 - 54:50: Memories with Drake, influence of fame, and interactions with influential figures.
- 54:11 - 76:25: Detailed recounting of his NFL struggles, relationships with coaches, and ultimate regrets.
- 76:27 - 81:59: Final reflections on his current state, mental health, and future aspirations.
Johnny Manziel’s narrative on this episode is one of vulnerability and introspection, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the pressures and pitfalls faced by athletes navigating fame and personal challenges.
