Johnny Football is bound for the Hammer.
Former Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel on Saturday announced on Twitter he has agreed to a deal with the Canadian Football League's Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Made the decision today to sign my contract with the CFL and further my football career after a long break. Very grateful for everyone that’s been supporting me along the way. I believe this is the best opportunity for me moving forward and I’m eager for what the future holds.
—@JManziel2A return to the National Football League was the former Cleveland Browns quarterback's top priority in March.
"If something pops up, it pops up," the 25-year-old Manziel told reporters at the time after throwing at Texas A&M's pro day. "If not and I don't get the opportunity to go back [to NFL] I'm going to go play in the CFL and things are going to be fine.
"One way or another, one day down the line I'll get back to exactly where I want to be because I'm not going to stop until I do."
Manziel draws NFL attention
The Tiger-Cats, who owned Manziel's CFL rights, previously made a contract offer to the pivot's agent, Erik Burkhardt, but the two sides couldn't reach an agreement. The Ticats also have starter Jeremiah Masoli along with Vernon Adams Jr., Dane Evans and Bryant Moniz under contract.
Breaking: <a href="https://twitter.com/JManziel2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JManziel2</a> Signs with Barstool and the CFL. SUBSCRIBE to Comeback Szn to get the details and follow his journey <a href="https://t.co/8vHWNK2ZGE">https://t.co/8vHWNK2ZGE</a> <a href="https://t.co/chPOWZDXkp">pic.twitter.com/chPOWZDXkp</a>
—@stoolpresidenteManziel drew a crowd at College Station, Tex., on that March day as all 32 NFL teams and two from the CFL (Saskatchewan and Montreal) attended the workout. He also threw at the University of San Diego's workout before scouts representing 13 NFL teams.
Manziel starred at Texas A&M, capturing the 2012 Heisman Trophy as U.S. college football's top player. He was selected in the first round, No. 22 overall, in the 2014 NFL draft by the Browns.
But the Browns released Manziel in March 2016 after he posted a 2-6 record over two tumultuous seasons. Manziel has been out of football since.
Off-field issues
Manziel also had public off-field issues. In April 2016 a former girlfriend accused him of assault, and the misdemeanour assault charge was dropped after Manziel attended an anger management course, a domestic violence victim panel and substance abuse program.
Johnny Manziel has signed a contract to play in the Canadian Football League for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, becoming the latest notable NFL player to jump to the CFL. <a href="https://t.co/LZsFc7qMV5">pic.twitter.com/LZsFc7qMV5</a>
—@ESPNStatsInfoManziel has also divulged he's been diagnosed with bipolar disorder that he takes medication for and candidly discussed his alcohol use while he had depression.
"I feel like I'm different, I feel like I'm doing really well," he said. "I feel like from a mental standpoint I've figured out what benefits me the most and what helps me.
"I can sit here and say that all day but until I really get the opportunity and go in and show it day in and day out and keep this consistent run of good behaviour, of good health going then it's all for naught if I don't. But I'm confident that I will. I'm preaching to myself, 'Consistency, consistency,' every day."
Comments
To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted.
By submitting a comment, you accept that CBC has the right to reproduce and publish that comment in whole or in part, in any manner CBC chooses. Please note that CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments. Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.