Sixteen months removed from the NFL, and Johnny Manziel has finally realized some actions have consequences.
Speaking Saturday at the National Fantasy Football Convention in Dallas, the former Browns quarterback weighed in on his potential comeback following his two-season flameout, which was heavily overshadowed by constant off-field indiscretions.
“I know the situation that I put myself in. I know the year I took off and obviously the mistakes that I made. Right now, I’m hopeful. I’m really hopeful,” Manziel said, per SportsDay. “I think that I made some progress in that regard. But we’ll see. Whenever I get a call, I’ll do whatever I can to make the most of it.”
Manziel, 24, hasn’t played a down in the NFL since December 2015. He reportedly fled to Las Vegas the following week under the alias “Billy Manziel,” while in the league’s concussion protocol. He was cut by the Browns in March 2016.
Though Manziel was rumored to have piqued the interest of Saints head coach Sean Payton earlier this year, the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner remains unsigned. His passing session with Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr. sparked headlines in late May, as the famed wideout opted to practice with Manziel over his own team.
“It’s hard sitting here going through OTA time and going through summer time and then getting ready to go through fall camp and not being a part of it,” Manziel said. “But at the same time, I’m really optimistic and hopeful that I’ll get another chance. That’s really what I’m holding out for every day.”
As Manziel works to get his career back on track, he’s also in the midst of planning a wedding. He got engaged to model Bre Tiesi in March.