What Happened to Johnny Manziel? All About His Ups and Downs Since Leaving the NFL – and What He's Doing Now

Mar. 15, 2025

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Johnny Manziel, known throughout his career as “Johnny Football,” burst into the spotlight as the quarterback for Texas A&M University. He earned a Heisman Trophy in 2012 and became a household name early in his career.

In the years following his departure from the NFL, Manziel faced a series of personal and legal issues, including a highly publicized marriage and subsequent divorce toSelling SunsetstarBre Tiesi, as well as various stints in alternative football leagues such as the Canadian Football League and the Alliance of American Football.

In recent years, Manziel has faced and addressed hisstruggles with mental healthand substance abuse, ultimately embarking on recovery.

Why did Johnny Manziel leave the NFL?

Quarterback Johnny Manziel #2 of the Cleveland Browns walks off the field, after losing to the Kansas City Chiefs on December 27, 2015.Peter G. Aiken/Getty

Peter G. Aiken/Getty

Manziel’s behavior off the field included a domestic violence allegation in early 2016, which significantly impacted his standing with the Browns. On Feb. 5, 2016, Dallas policereopeneda criminal investigation into Manziel followingallegations of assault/domestic violenceof his ex-girlfriend, Colleen Crowley.

“I want to make sure we all understand that that behavior will not be tolerated as we move forward,” Browns head coach Hue Jackson said at the time, perCNN. “I want to leave it at that. Our organization is going to take a stand, and we’re going to move on from those kind of situations as we move forward.”

What happened to Johnny Manziel after the NFL?

Johnny Manziel during Fan Controlled Football season v2.0 in June 2022.Brett Davis/Fan Controlled Football/Getty

Brett Davis/Fan Controlled Football/Getty

In addition to his professional endeavors, Manziel underwent radical changes in his personal life regarding his mental health as he struggled with drug and alcohol addiction throughout his NFL career. In February 2018, he toldESPNhe had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder — a condition he was taking meds for and those in his life have seen a “drastic change.”

In a conversation withUSA Todayin June 2018, he also noted that he was prioritizing his mental health as a means to maintain his career in football.

“That’s the scary thing about my mental health: If I don’t continuously take care of it and make it the biggest priority in my life, I’m going to struggle," Manziel said. “That’s hard to say. You’re making mental health a priority over your job? Well, there is no job without my mental health. There is no life and there is no family for me without my head.”

Is Johnny Manziel still playing football?

Johnny Manziel speaks onstage at the Fanatics Fest NYC 2024.Rob Kim/Getty

Rob Kim/Getty

As of now, Manziel is not actively playing professional football. After his time with the Memphis Express and Fan Controlled Football, he has not signed with any new teams or leagues.

In August 2024, the former NFL star launched a new podcast series,Glory Daze, with Almost Friday Media.

“I’ll get the opportunity to sit down with other iconic athletes and help them share their incredible stories,” Manziel said in a statement in September 2024, perFox News. “We’ll look back through the lens of the players themselves, giving fans an inside look at the moments they remember and the stories they’ve never heard.”

Is Johnny Manziel married?

Bre Tiesi; Johnny Manziel.Tasia Wells/Getty; Steve Granitz/FilmMagic

Tasia Wells/Getty; Steve Granitz/FilmMagic

Manziel was previously married toSelling Sunsetstar Bre Tiesi. The couple got engaged in March 2017, and married in aprivate ceremonya year later in March 2018. However, their marriagewas filled with difficulties, including allegations of Manziel cheating. They ultimately split in 2019 and finalizedtheir divorcein 2021.

“Bre decidedshe was done,” a source PEOPLE in 2019. “Johnny wanted to work it out. But she wasn’t having it. So they decided earlier this week that it’s over. Now they both have to move on.”

Tiesi has since welcomed a son,Legendary Love Cannon, withNick Cannon.

Where is Johnny Manziel now?

Johnny Manziel in 2024.Johnny Manziel/Instagram

Johnny Manziel/Instagram

In August 2023, Manziel was featured in Netflix’sUntold: Johnny Football, which chronicled his rise and fall in the NFL. In wake of the documentary, the former player told PEOPLE that his career in football had reached its end.

“I have so much life left to live, andmy football chapter’s closed, but let’s find out what’s going to be next and what I want to do moving forward to make myself happy and live a nice life," he said.

Manziel added that he now spends his days enjoying a slower pace of life, prioritizing family time and golf. Residing in Scottsdale, Arizona — which he dubs “the mecca of golf” — he plays as much as he can and keeps a routine of golf, dinner with friends and relaxation.

In April 2024, he waslinked to model Josie Canseco, after the pair each shared a picture of them cozying up at a country music festival, Stagecoach.

Most recently, Manziel joined his ex-wife Tiesi on season 8 ofSelling Sunset, where the real estate agent helped the former athlete search for a home in Los Angeles.

source: people.com