Former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel recently expressed that his college football career at Texas A&M could have been significantly more lucrative had the current Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules been in place during his time.
Despite earning approximately $8 million during his NFL career, Manziel believes he would have made much more staying in college. In a candid interview with Greg McElroy, the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner stated that the endorsement opportunities in the current NIL era could have easily surpassed his NFL rookie contract earnings.
Manziel Says NIL Millions Would’ve Kept Him at Texas A&M Much Longer
Manziel’s star power was undeniable during his time at Texas A&M, particularly after becoming the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy. He contended that with his profile, he could have commanded millions annually through NIL deals. He even joked that entering the NFL in 2014 as the 22nd overall pick was essentially taking a “pay cut” compared to what he could have earned in college under today’s rules.
Johnny Manziel (MFL)The ability to earn NIL income could have drastically altered Manziel’s career trajectory. With two years of college eligibility left at the time he declared for the draft, Manziel now says he would have stayed in school if he had the chance to earn legitimate money.
He explained that even a few million dollars would have gone a long way in College Station, and that earning that amount while continuing to play at Texas A&M would have been a no-brainer.
NIL Era Transforms College Football and Highlights NCAA’s Outdated Punishment Practices
Manziel also touched on the NCAA’s previous restrictions, which led to him being suspended for half a game during an investigation into whether he profited from autograph signings. He pointed out the irony in the fact that such small infractions caused major issues in the past, while today’s athletes are making legitimate six- or even seven-figure incomes under NIL deals without consequence.
The quarterback highlighted how NIL has reshaped college football, giving players a financial incentive to stay in school longer. The prospect of becoming financially stable through NIL, even without turning pro, makes college a more attractive option. Manziel emphasized that this new era enables athletes to set themselves up for life, whether or not they make it to the NFL, signaling a transformative shift in the sport’s economic structure.
