http://www.chron.com/sports/texans/article/Johnny-Manziel-cleared-to-play-in-Canadian-12459729.php

Johnny Manziel cleared to play in Canadian Football League

By Corey Roepken

Updated 2:09 pm, Thursday, December 28, 2017

Photo: David Richard/Associated Press

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PHOTOS: Highs & lows of Johnny Manziel's football career

Former Texas A&M and Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel has been cleared to play in the Canadian Football League. He could sign with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the next 10 days.

See Johnny Football's best and worst moments in football so far ...

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PHOTOS: Highs & lows of Johnny Manziel's football career

Former Texas A&M and Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel has been cleared to play in the Canadian Football League. He could sign with the Hamilton

... more

Photo: David Richard/Associated Press

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TIMELINE: Johnny Manziel's highs and lows in football

Click through the gallery to relive the highs and lows Manziel has experienced throughout his football career from Kerrville High School to Texas A&M to the NFL.

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TIMELINE: Johnny Manziel's highs and lows in football

Click through the gallery to relive the highs and lows Manziel has experienced throughout his football career from Kerrville High School to Texas A&M to

... more

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High school hero

At Kerrville Tivy High School, Johnny Manziel threw for 2,903 yards and ran for 1,544 as a junior, then threw for 3,609 and ran for 1,674 as senior. He was a three-star recruit, who originally committed to Oregon before signing with Texas A&M.

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High school hero

At Kerrville Tivy High School, Johnny Manziel threw for 2,903 yards and ran for 1,544 as a junior, then threw for 3,609 and ran for 1,674 as senior. He was a three-star recruit, who originally

... more

Photo: KIN MAN HUI, San Antonio Express-News

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Arrested as a freshman

After redshirting his first year in College Station, Manziel was arrested and jailed in the summer of 2012 after he was involved in a fight and police said the 19-year-old Manziel gave them a fake ID. Manziel later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of failing to properly identify himself to police.

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Arrested as a freshman

After redshirting his first year in College Station, Manziel was arrested and jailed in the summer of 2012 after he was involved in a fight and police said the 19-year-old Manziel gave

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Photo: Associated Press

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College debut

As a redshirt freshman, Manziel beat out Jameill Showers and Matt Joeckel for the starting quarterback spot and had a nice collegiate debut against Florida. Although the Aggies lost, Manziel completed 23 of 30 passes for 173 yards and rushed for 60 yards and a touchdown.

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College debut

As a redshirt freshman, Manziel beat out Jameill Showers and Matt Joeckel for the starting quarterback spot and had a nice collegiate debut against Florida. Although the Aggies lost, Manziel

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Photo: Dave Einsel, Associated Press

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Breaks SEC record

In the fourth game of his college career, the legend of Manziel started to flourish. In a win over Arkansas, Manziel broke Archie Manning's 43-year-old SEC record for total offense with 557 total yards (453 passing, 104 rushing).

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Breaks SEC record

In the fourth game of his college career, the legend of Manziel started to flourish. In a win over Arkansas, Manziel broke Archie Manning's 43-year-old SEC record for total offense with 557

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Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle

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Breaks his own school record

Two weeks after setting the SEC record against Arkansas, Manziel topped the feat with 576 total yards against Louisiana Tech. Manziel passed for 395 yards and ran for 181 to become the first SEC player to ever produce 500 yards of total offense more than once in a season.

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Breaks his own school record

Two weeks after setting the SEC record against Arkansas, Manziel topped the feat with 576 total yards against Louisiana Tech. Manziel passed for 395 yards and ran for 181 to become

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Photo: Kita K Wright, Associated Press

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Upsets Alabama

The game for which Manziel became known in college was the Aggies' upset win at No. 1 Alabama. Manziel accounted for 345 of Texas A&M's 481 yards of offense and threw two touchdowns, including a 10-yarder to Swope where Manziel bobbled the snap, and as Alabama defenders converged on him, he reversed field and threw a strike for a touchdown.

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Upsets Alabama

The game for which Manziel became known in college was the Aggies' upset win at No. 1 Alabama. Manziel accounted for 345 of Texas A&M's 481 yards of offense and threw two touchdowns,

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Photo: Gary Cosby Jr., MBO

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First freshman Heisman Trophy winner

In a year when Manziel was the first freshman in NCAA history to pass for 3,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in a season, he became the first freshman to ever win the Heisman Trophy.

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First freshman Heisman Trophy winner

In a year when Manziel was the first freshman in NCAA history to pass for 3,000 yards and rush for 1,000 yards in a season, he became the first freshman to ever win the

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Photo: Kelly Kline, Getty Images For The Heisman Tru

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Breaks records in Cotton Bowl

Manziel set an FBS bowl record with 516 total yards as the Aggies trounced Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl to finish the season ranked in the top 5 in the polls and finish with their first 11-win season since 1998.

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Breaks records in Cotton Bowl

Manziel set an FBS bowl record with 516 total yards as the Aggies trounced Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl to finish the season ranked in the top 5 in the polls and finish with their

... more

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

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Sent home from Manning Passing Academy

Manziel was sent home from the Manning Passing Academy after showing up late for the camp's morning meetings. It was reported Manziel was spotted on Bourbon Street - four hours away - the previous night.

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Sent home from Manning Passing Academy

Manziel was sent home from the Manning Passing Academy after showing up late for the camp's morning meetings. It was reported Manziel was spotted on Bourbon Street - four

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Suspended for a half

Manziel was suspended for the first half of the 2013 season opener when he was accused of signing autographs in exchange for payment. It was never proven that Manziel was ever paid for his autograph.

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Suspended for a half

Manziel was suspended for the first half of the 2013 season opener when he was accused of signing autographs in exchange for payment. It was never proven that Manziel was ever paid for his

... more

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

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Another big game against Alabama

Although the Aggies lost to Alabama 49-42, Manziel set a school record with 464 passing yards and five touchdowns.

Another big game against Alabama

Although the Aggies lost to Alabama 49-42, Manziel set a school record with 464 passing yards and five touchdowns.

Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle

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Five TDs against Mississippi State

Manziel tied his career high with five touchdown passes in a win against Mississippi State. Manziel was 30 for 39 for 446 yards in the victory.

Five TDs against Mississippi State

Manziel tied his career high with five touchdown passes in a win against Mississippi State. Manziel was 30 for 39 for 446 yards in the victory.

Photo: David J. Phillip, Associated Press

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Thrilling college finale

In a game the Aggies trailed 38-17 at halftime, Manziel led his team back to a thrilling 52-48 win over Duke in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. In his last game as an Aggie, Manziel threw for 382 yards and ran for 73.

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Thrilling college finale

In a game the Aggies trailed 38-17 at halftime, Manziel led his team back to a thrilling 52-48 win over Duke in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. In his last game as an Aggie, Manziel threw for 382

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Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Star-studded pro day

Manziel's pro day in College Station was such a spectacle that it drew former President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush.

Star-studded pro day

Manziel's pro day in College Station was such a spectacle that it drew former President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush.

Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

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Browns draft Manziel

After speculation that the Cowboys would pick him, the Browns traded up to grab Manziel as the 22nd pick of the first round. Before the draft, Manziel sent a text to a Browns assistant urging them to draft him so they could "wreck this league together."

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Browns draft Manziel

After speculation that the Cowboys would pick him, the Browns traded up to grab Manziel as the 22nd pick of the first round. Before the draft, Manziel sent a text to a Browns assistant

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Photo: Frank Franklin II, STF

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Vegas, baby

After his first OTAs with the Browns, Manziel went partying in Vegas. This wouldn't be the first time his escapades in Sin City drew attention.

Vegas, baby

After his first OTAs with the Browns, Manziel went partying in Vegas. This wouldn't be the first time his escapades in Sin City drew attention.

Photo: Twitter

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Swan time

In June 2014, Manziel was pictured floating on an inflatable swan while chugging Champagne at a party in Austin.

Swan time

In June 2014, Manziel was pictured floating on an inflatable swan while chugging Champagne at a party in Austin.

Photo: Twitter

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On a roll

In July 2014, a photo surfaced of Manziel rolling a $20 bill in the bathroom of a bar. The Browns reportedly were "very disturbed" by the image.

On a roll

In July 2014, a photo surfaced of Manziel rolling a $20 bill in the bathroom of a bar. The Browns reportedly were "very disturbed" by the image.

Photo: Twitter

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NFL fines Manziel in preseason

During a preseason game against the Redskins, ESPN cameras caught Manziel making an obscene gesture toward the Washington sideline. He was fined $12,000 by the NFL.

NFL fines Manziel in preseason

During a preseason game against the Redskins, ESPN cameras caught Manziel making an obscene gesture toward the Washington sideline. He was fined $12,000 by the NFL.

Photo: Evan Vucci, Associated Press

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Hoyer beats him out

Manziel was unable to beat out journeyman Brian Hoyer for the Browns' starting quarterback job in training camp, beginning the season as the backup.

Hoyer beats him out

Manziel was unable to beat out journeyman Brian Hoyer for the Browns' starting quarterback job in training camp, beginning the season as the backup.

Photo: Evan Vucci, Associated Press

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Scores first NFL TD

In week 13 at Buffalo, Manziel received the first meaningful playing time in the NFL when he replaced an ineffective Brian Hoyer in the fourth quarter and led the Browns on a scoring drive, scoring on a 10-yard run for his first NFL touchdown.

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Scores first NFL TD

In week 13 at Buffalo, Manziel received the first meaningful playing time in the NFL when he replaced an ineffective Brian Hoyer in the fourth quarter and led the Browns on a scoring drive,

... more

Photo: Tom Szczerbowski, Getty Images

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Missed out on his first start?

After his relief stint in Buffalo, Manziel attended a Cavaliers game on the following Tuesday night. Fox Sports reported that activity kept Browns coach Mike Pettine from starting him the next week against Indianapolis.

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Missed out on his first start?

After his relief stint in Buffalo, Manziel attended a Cavaliers game on the following Tuesday night. Fox Sports reported that activity kept Browns coach Mike Pettine from starting

... more

Photo: James Nielsen, Houston Chronicle

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First start goes poorly

Manziel's first start, at home against Cincinnati on Dec. 14 with the Browns in playoff contention, was an absolute disaster, as Cleveland lost 30-0. He completed 10 of 18 passes for just 80 yards and was intercepted twice. The Bengals' Adam Jones repeatedly mocked Manziel with his "money" gesture.

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First start goes poorly

Manziel's first start, at home against Cincinnati on Dec. 14 with the Browns in playoff contention, was an absolute disaster, as Cleveland lost 30-0. He completed 10 of 18 passes for

... more

Photo: David Richard, FRE

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Late-night incident with a fan

Manziel was involved in a late-night incident where a fan claimed a member of Manziel's group struck him after he tried to approach Manziel at about 2:30 a.m. in the lobby of the Cleveland apartment where Manziel lived. The fan told police he was assaulted, but no charges were filed.

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Late-night incident with a fan

Manziel was involved in a late-night incident where a fan claimed a member of Manziel's group struck him after he tried to approach Manziel at about 2:30 a.m. in the lobby of the

... more

Photo: John Reid, POOL

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Suffers injury in Week 16

During Week 16 at Carolina, Manziel suffered a hamstring injury in the second start of his career that ultimately ended his season.

Suffers injury in Week 16

During Week 16 at Carolina, Manziel suffered a hamstring injury in the second start of his career that ultimately ended his season.

Photo: Grant Halverson, Getty Images

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Manziel fined for being late

Manziel was fined when he showed up late for medical treatment in the last week of the season when he already was on injured reserve. It was reported that Manziel was spotted partying late the night before missing treatment.

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Manziel fined for being late

Manziel was fined when he showed up late for medical treatment in the last week of the season when he already was on injured reserve. It was reported that Manziel was spotted

... more

Photo: Bob Leverone, Associated Press

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Checks into rehab

Manziel voluntarily spent more than two months at Caron Pennsylvania, an alcohol and drug treatment center, after checking himself into the facility Jan. 28, 2015.

Checks into rehab

Manziel voluntarily spent more than two months at Caron Pennsylvania, an alcohol and drug treatment center, after checking himself into the facility Jan. 28, 2015.

Photo: Tony Dejak, STF

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Throws a water bottle at a fan

On May 30, 2015, an 18-year-old fan began harassing Manziel near a hotel pool in Irving. Manziel ended up throwing a water bottle at the man. Police were called but no charges were filed on either party.

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Throws a water bottle at a fan

On May 30, 2015, an 18-year-old fan began harassing Manziel near a hotel pool in Irving. Manziel ended up throwing a water bottle at the man. Police were called but no charges

... more

Photo: Patric Schneider, Associated Press

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Throws first TD pass

In the first game of the 2015 season, Mazniel entered the game after starting QB Josh McCown was injured. Manziel threw his first touchdown pass in the NFL, but committed three turnovers (two fumbles) in the second half of a 31-10 loss.

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Throws first TD pass

In the first game of the 2015 season, Mazniel entered the game after starting QB Josh McCown was injured. Manziel threw his first touchdown pass in the NFL, but committed three turnovers

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Photo: Jason DeCrow, Associated Press

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Gets a win in a start

Manziel started the second game of the season, leading the Browns to a 28-14 win over the Titans, completing 8 of 15 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns.

Gets a win in a start

Manziel started the second game of the season, leading the Browns to a 28-14 win over the Titans, completing 8 of 15 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns.

Photo: David Richard, Associated Press

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Police called after argument with girlfriend

On Oct. 12, police were called when Manziel was seen driving erratically while arguing with his girlfriend, Colleen Crowley. She originally told police Manziel hit her, but later retracted that statement. Manziel told police he had a couple beers earlier in the day. No charges were filed, and Manziel and Crowley were allowed to leave together.

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Police called after argument with girlfriend

On Oct. 12, police were called when Manziel was seen driving erratically while arguing with his girlfriend, Colleen Crowley. She originally told police Manziel hit

... more

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Plays late in loss to Rams

Manziel replaced an injured Josh McCown in the fourth quarter of a 24-6 loss to the St. Louis Rams and completed 4 of 5 passes for 27 yards.

Plays late in loss to Rams

Manziel replaced an injured Josh McCown in the fourth quarter of a 24-6 loss to the St. Louis Rams and completed 4 of 5 passes for 27 yards.

Photo: Tom Gannam, Associated Press

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Plays late in game for second straight week

For the second straight week, Manziel replaced an injured Josh McCown in the fourth quarter. In a 34-20 loss to the Cardinals, Manziel completed 3 of 6 passes for 12 yards.

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Plays late in game for second straight week

For the second straight week, Manziel replaced an injured Josh McCown in the fourth quarter. In a 34-20 loss to the Cardinals, Manziel completed 3 of 6 passes for 12

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Photo: Ron Schwane, Associated Press

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Gets second start of season

With Josh McCown still injured, Manziel gets his second start of the season and fourth start of his NFL career when the Browns play the Bengals on Thursday night.

Gets second start of season

With Josh McCown still injured, Manziel gets his second start of the season and fourth start of his NFL career when the Browns play the Bengals on Thursday night.

Photo: Michael Conroy, Associated Press

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Gets second start of season

With Josh McCown still injured, Manziel got another start. He looked good in the first half against the Bengals before fading down the stretch. He finished 15-for-33 for 168 yards and a touchdown in a 31-10 loss.

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Gets second start of season

With Josh McCown still injured, Manziel got another start. He looked good in the first half against the Bengals before fading down the stretch. He finished 15-for-33 for 168 yards and

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Photo: Frank Victores, Associated Press

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Best game of his pro career

The Browns lost 30-9, but Manziel played well, going 33-for-45 fir a career-high 372 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The performance was so good, Manziel was named the Browns' starter for the rest of the season.

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Best game of his pro career

The Browns lost 30-9, but Manziel played well, going 33-for-45 fir a career-high 372 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The performance was so good, Manziel was named the

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Photo: Gene J. Puskar, Associated Press

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Demoted to third string on the bye week

A week after being named the starter for the rest of the season, videos are leaked of Johnny Manziel partying at Austin clubs and bars despite spending time in rehab earlier this year. The videos upset the Browns so much, they demoted him to third string.

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Demoted to third string on the bye week

A week after being named the starter for the rest of the season, videos are leaked of Johnny Manziel partying at Austin clubs and bars despite spending time in rehab

... more

Photo: Instagram

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Named starter again

After serving a two-week benching for lying to the team about videos of him partying in Austin during the Browns' bye week, Manziel is named starter for Cleveland's game against San Francisco.

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Named starter again

After serving a two-week benching for lying to the team about videos of him partying in Austin during the Browns' bye week, Manziel is named starter for Cleveland's game against San

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Photo: Jason Miller, Getty Images

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Win over the 49ers

After being named the starter again, Johnny Manziel leads the Browns to a 24-10 win over San Francisco. Manziel completed 21 of 31 passes for 270 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

Win over the 49ers

After being named the starter again, Johnny Manziel leads the Browns to a 24-10 win over San Francisco. Manziel completed 21 of 31 passes for 270 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

Photo: Andrew Weber, Getty Images

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Loss to the Seahawks

Johnny Manziel completes 19 of 32 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown in a 30-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

Loss to the Seahawks

Johnny Manziel completes 19 of 32 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown in a 30-13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

Photo: Ted S. Warren, Associated Press

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Browns lose, Manziel hurt

Johnny Manziel has a rough final start of 2016. He completes just 13 of 32 passes for 136 yards and an interception in a 17-13 loss to Kansas City. Manziel also suffers a concussion in the loss that ends his season.

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Browns lose, Manziel hurt

Johnny Manziel has a rough final start of 2016. He completes just 13 of 32 passes for 136 yards and an interception in a 17-13 loss to Kansas City. Manziel also suffers a concussion in

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Photo: David Eulitt, McClatchy-Tribune News Service

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Manziel in Vegas?

Johnny Manziel is in the NFL's concussion protocol and is supposed to show up for treatment Sunday morning. He never shows up and rumors are that he was in Las Vegas for the weekend wearing a disguise so no one would recognize him.

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Manziel in Vegas?

Johnny Manziel is in the NFL's concussion protocol and is supposed to show up for treatment Sunday morning. He never shows up and rumors are that he was in Las Vegas for the weekend wearing a

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Photo: Facebook

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Altercation with ex-girlfriend

In the early hours of Jan. 30, 2016, Manziel's ex-girlfriend Colleen Crowley alleged that he kidnapped her and struck so hard she lost hearing in her left ear. Fort Worth police even used a helicopter to search for Manziel. He denied any assault, but a judge issued a protective order prohibiting him from any contact with Crowley for two years. Dallas police are investigating the domestic violence complaint.

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Altercation with ex-girlfriend

In the early hours of Jan. 30, 2016, Manziel's ex-girlfriend Colleen Crowley alleged that he kidnapped her and struck so hard she lost hearing in her left ear. Fort Worth police

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Photo: LM Otero, STF

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Father's grave fears

In February 2016, Johnny Manziel's father Paul (pictured) made headlines after he told the Dallas Morning News “I truly believe if they can’t get him help, he won’t live to see his 24th birthday.” The elder Manziel also said his son declined to go back to rehab and he even told a Denton County Sheriff's officer that he believed his son is suicidal.

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Father's grave fears

In February 2016, Johnny Manziel's father Paul (pictured) made headlines after he told the Dallas Morning News “I truly believe if they can’t get him help, he won’t live to see his

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Photo: Brian T. Smith, Houston Chronicle

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Released

On March 11, 2016, the Browns cut ties with Manziel less than two years after drafting him. It was a marriage doomed from the beginning, given Cleveland's two decades of ineptitude and Manziel's hard-partying ways.

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Released

On March 11, 2016, the Browns cut ties with Manziel less than two years after drafting him. It was a marriage doomed from the beginning, given Cleveland's two decades of ineptitude and Manziel's

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Former Aggie Johnny Manziel greets fans waiting in line for a photo during a Johnny Manziel autograph event at Stadium Signatures, Thursday, February 2, 2017, in Houston. (Juan DeLeon/Houston Chronicle )