Overview
Johnny Manziel is a former professional football quarterback who reached the National Football League after winning the Heisman Trophy in 2012. His top-level playing time in the NFL was brief and concentrated with one team. This profile explains which NFL teams he played for, the context around his roster time, contract information where available, and his overall status as of the most recent league records.
Johnny Manziel’s NFL Teams
Manziel played for exactly one NFL team during his league career. He spent parts of three seasons on the active roster and practice/squad rosters of the Cleveland Browns after being selected in the 2014 NFL Draft. He was also listed on the Browns’ practice squad during the 2015 season before making the active roster in 2016. Outside the NFL, he appeared in practice squad and preseason settings with other organizations, and played professionally in alternative football leagues. The following table summarizes his key NFL team affiliations and contract details.
Key NFL Team and Contract Timeline
| Date or Period | Event | Team | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2014 | Draft | Cleveland Browns | Selected in the 4th round, 110th overall | NFL Draft Record |
| 2014–2015 | Practice squad | Cleveland Browns | Spent time on the practice squad; also appeared on other teams’ practice squads | Team Transaction Reports |
| 2016 | Active roster / Limited action | Cleveland Browns | Made the 53-man roster; appeared in 5 games with 2 starts | Team Rosters and Game Logs |
| 2017 | Released / Practice squad attempts | Cleveland Browns (primary), Texas Revolution (alternate league) | Released during final roster cuts; later spent time in the Indoor Football League | Transaction Logs, IFL Records |
Cleveland Browns: Context and Performance
The Cleveland Browns represented Manziel’s only NFL organization. His time in Cleveland included stints on the practice squad in 2014 and 2015, followed by promotion to the active roster in 2016. He appeared in five games and started two, completing 40 of 82 passes for 446 yards with one touchdown and five interceptions. His tenure was marked by inconsistency, injuries, and off-field scrutiny, which contributed to limited opportunities and eventual release.
Performance Snapshot with the Browns
- Games played: 5
- Games started: 2
- Passing completions: 40
- Attempts: 82
- Completion percentage: 48.8%
- Passing yards: 446
- Touchdowns: 1
- Interceptions: 5
Outside the NFL: Teams and Leagues
Following his release from the Browns, Manziel sought opportunities in alternative football circuits and practice situations with other NFL teams. He was listed on the practice squad of the New Orleans Saints in 2017 but did not appear in NFL games. He also joined the Texas Revolution of the Indoor Football League and later played in the Alliance of American Football and the Fan Controlled Football league. These experiences illustrate a career that continued at football’s professional edges after his NFL run.
Post-NFL Professional Stints
- Texas Revolution (Indoor Football League)
- New Orleans Saints practice squad (2017)
- Alliance of American Football (Memphis Express)
- Fan Controlled Football (FCF)
Contract and Earnings Context
Manziel signed a four-year, $6.73 million contract with the Cleveland Browns upon entering the league, including a $2.43 million signing bonus. Although various contract extensions and practice squad figures are reported anecdotally, his most formally documented compensation relates to the Browns’ rookie deal. Contextual factors, including limited play and league discipline, affected his earning trajectory and roster stability.
Current Status and Availability
As of the latest league and team records, Johnny Manziel remains unsigned by any NFL club. He has not appeared on an active NFL roster since his release by Cleveland. Alternative football league participation and off-field activities have defined his professional trajectory in the years since his last NFL opportunity. His status continues to be one of available veteran quarterback rather than an active roster player.
Summary
In summary, Johnny Manziel’s NFL career involved a single team: the Cleveland Browns. His time there included practice squad assignments and limited active roster action, culminating in a small number of games and starts. He has since moved through alternative football leagues and remained unsigned by NFL clubs. This profile consolidates the verified team history, performance metrics, contract context, and current status to serve as a durable reference for understanding his professional football path.