Former Texas A&M and Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel officially announced on Wednesday that he would be returning to the football field via The Spring League.
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For those unaware of what that is, from The Spring League's official Twitter:
An elite developmental league & scouting event for professional football talent. The 2018 season begins March 28th in Austin, TX!
Perhaps the most intriguing part here is that Manziel has yet to sign a contract with the CFL. Despite the Hamilton Tiger-Cats securing Manziel's rights, the two are apparently still "far apart" on a deal. In an even more interesting twist, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk is reporting that Manziel's move with the Spring League leaves an out for if Manziel is able to secure an NFL offer.
The CFL had declared before that "too many red flags" in Manziel's personal life had led to the decision that the former Texas A&M quarterback and Heisman winner would be ineligible from joining the league in the 2017 season. However, it was stated in September that Manziel would be eligible in the 2018 season if he met certain conditions, and it appears that Manziel has reached that point.
Manziel, 25, has not played pro football since the 2015 season, as the Browns released him back in March of last year after growing conerns over Manziel's mental health. Since that release, Manziel was indicted for assault charges (since dropped), fired by his agent, and suspended by the NFL under its drug policy. Manziel's fall comes after he became the first redshirt freshman to win the Heisman Trophy back in 2012. Manziel was later selected by the Cleveland Browns with a first-round pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.
