Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel reflects on his past and expresses regret over his handling of relationships, particularly with former Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James.
In a candid conversation with Shannon Sharpe on Club Shay Shay, Manziel opened up about his battle with depression and how it affected his interactions with James.
Manziel revealed that despite James’ efforts to support him during his time in Cleveland, he struggled to accept help due to his depression.
He recounted instances where James would extend invitations for him to join in activities, such as watching games or playing poker, but Manziel found it difficult to muster the energy to leave his bed.
Recalling his experiences, Manziel admitted to not fully appreciating James’ mentorship and support, attributing it to his mental state at the time. He expressed remorse for not acknowledging the significance of James’ gestures and for pushing away his attempts to guide him.
“@RealSkipBayless, I love you bro. I honestly feel like I let him down. … This ‘Johnny Manziel will be bigger than LeBron.’ It was never ever going to be a reality.” – @JManziel2
Full episode is streaming now wherever you listen to your podcasts and on YouTube. pic.twitter.com/SQJRLGiDc1
— Club Shay Shay (@ClubShayShay) February 21, 2024
Acknowledging his shortcomings, Manziel emphasized that his struggles with depression were not an excuse for his behavior. He recognized the immense respect he owed to individuals like James and Hall of Fame left tackle Joe Thomas, acknowledging their contributions to his life and career.
Manziel acknowledged feeling embarrassed by his actions and the impact they had on those around him. He expressed regret for not fully realizing the opportunities he had and for failing to reciprocate the support he received from his peers.
Reflecting on his time with the Browns, Manziel recognized the high expectations that accompanied his arrival in the NFL. Despite the initial hype, his tenure with the team was marred by off-field issues, limiting his on-field performance and overall impact.
Manziel’s conversation with Sharpe sheds light on the challenges he faced during his NFL career and serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness among athletes.
He expressed a desire to reconcile with those he may have wronged during his time in Cleveland, acknowledging the opportunity for growth and redemption.
