Johnny Football is going pro — officially declaring for the NFL draft Wednesday.
He filed the necessary paperwork with the league, which will take his game to the next step. (Via Fox Sports)
This comes as no surprise after it was reported Tuesday that Johnny Manziel hired agency firm Select Sports Group to represent him contractually and LeBron James' PR friend Maverick Carter to handle his off-the-field antics. (Via ESPN)
In a letter to fans posted on TexAgs.com, Manziel wrote: "The decision was not an easy one. ... I will always try to make you as proud of me in the NFL as I did at Texas A&M. ... The faces, the friends, the fans, and the experience will forever be an important part of my life. Gig 'em Aggies! I'll always love you guys."
Manziel has long been known as a party boy who has been photographed celebrating Halloween — (Via Outkick The Coverage)
— was tossed out of University of Texas frat parties — (Via Total Frat Move)
and has received plenty of TMZcoverage for his many clubbing ... uh ... adventures.
And then there's the NCAA investigation over whether or he got paid to sign autographs. (Via Yahoo!)
He served just a half-game suspension for it. (Via SB Nation)
Still, it appears the positives are outweighing the negatives.
Did we mention he has a Heisman? (via Texas A&M Athletics)
Multiple NFL writers are slating Manziel as the second or third best quarterback in the draft — behind Louisville's Teddy Bridgewater and in a position battle with UCF's Blake Bortles. (Via CBS)
Martin Rickman of Sports Illustrated writes: "The always-polarizing Manziel has spent his share of time in the headlines for reasons other than football over the past two seasons. ... All of the distractions have taken away somewhat from what Manziel has been able to do with the ball. ... He has consistently been one of the most electric and entertaining players in college football."
And Jeffri Chadiha of ESPN adds: "Manziel at least has the advantage of already understanding life in a fishbowl, and that will help him as he builds his own NFL legacy. He's gone from a nobody who was hoping to win a job in college to a legend who has earned the right to be considered among the top picks in this year's draft class."
This would have been Manziel's junior year playing college football. The 2014 NFL Draft is scheduled for May 8th through the 10th.
