After months of rumours and speculation, Johnny Manziel confirmed that he has signed with Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL. His efforts to turn his football career around begin here, but as he shared in Saturday’s press conference, Manziel’s focus is solely on the betterment of his team:
“This isn't just a pit stop for me,” said Manziel, who signed a two-year rookie contract in accordance with CFL rules. “I’m not just coming here to get what I need and go back down to the NFL.”
Showing the willingness to put his head down and grind away outside of the spotlight is a positive start for Manziel’s comeback effort. Of course, he’ll have to remain humble, as Tiger-Cats coach June Jones made clear that Manziel won’t immediately come in as the starter at quarterback.
With that said, Manziel sure seems to believe that his coach’s system will be a good fit, and that it bodes well for the future.
Ultimately, after a multiyear absence from professional football, Manziel believes that the CFL offers “the best opportunity” for him to turn his career around. As he told TSN’s Matthew Scianitti in the video at the top of this article, this doesn’t mean he expects to come in without a learning curve for the CFL game, or to command the respect of his teammates without earning it first.
But, for Manziel, Hamilton has provided a place that wants him, and has now invested in him. He seems prepared to put in the work that lies ahead.
