NFL Footbal Rumors & News 2015: Cleveland Browns Owner Jimmy Haslam Talks Supporting Johnny Manziel
Johnny Manziel was a disappointment for the Cleveland Browns on and off the field during the 2014 NFL season, but are the Browns giving up on the young quarterback? Browns owner Jimmy Haslam says no.
Haslam told reporters he and the team are still hoping Manziel will eventually realize his potential and be more focused on improving his game instead of being involved in off-court troubles similar to what happened in his rookie season.
Manziel, the 22nd overall pick of the Browns in the 2014 NFL Draft, failed to impress last season. In seven quarters of playing time, the 22-year-old quarterback completed just 18-of-35 passes for 175 yards with two interceptions and no touchdown pass.
Aside from failing to live up to expectations on the field, Manziel also had run-ins with coaches and team executives for his undesirable behavior.
The former Texas A&M standout missed a team walk-through after partying the night before the practice, which did not sit well with Browns' top officials. After their final game of the season, Manziel was also spotted partying at night in Miami Beach, Houston and Aspen.
But despite having a rocky rookie season for the Browns, team owner Haslam reiterated that it is too early to give up on Manziel, especially after the former Heisman Trophy winner decided to enter a treatment facility in order to become a better person and a better teammate.
"We're going to do everything we can to support him," Haslam said. "Our primary interest is making sure that he gets well, if you will. Fixes himself. However long that takes, we're going to stand beside him. We hope Johnny can get that straightened out because we feel he's a really good athlete and can help our team."
Earlier this week, former Browns offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, who moved to the Atlanta Falcons last month, also expressed support to Manziel.
Shanahan said that Manziel is not a bad guy contrary to what most fans are saying about him and also expressed confidence that Manziel will eventually find his mark and excel in the league for the Browns.
"I don't know what he's going through right now, but I think I'm confident Johnny will work it all out," Shanahan said of Manziel via ESPN. "And I think he has a chance to have a good future."
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