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| Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2). File photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo |
By The Sports Xchange, UPI
Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel is taking his talents ... north of the border.
Apparently convinced that he will not land a job in the NFL anytime soon, Manziel announced Saturday on social media that he is signing with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL.
"Made the decision today to sign my contract with the CFL and further my football career after a long break," Manziel wrote on his Twitter account. "Very grateful for everyone that's been supporting me along the way. I believe this is the best opportunity for me moving forward and I'm eager for what the future holds."
Manziel, who last played in the NFL in 2015 with the Browns, will sign a two-year contract with the Tiger-Cats, per CFL rules.
The first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy while at Texas A&M in 2012, Manziel also announced a promotion with Barstool Sports, explaining his future plans in a video on the site's official Twitter account.
"I have decided to sign with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. I'll be up here for it looks like two years," said Manziel. "I'll be getting back to playing ball. That's what I want to do. ... Big day for me. No longer unemployed."
Manziel had hoped to resurrect his flagging career by competing in two games in the Spring League in April at Austin, Texas. He completed 10 of 16 passes for 188 yards and rushed for two touchdowns in his second game after going 9 of 15 for 82 yards in his league debut.
The 22nd overall selection by Cleveland in the 2014 NFL Draft, Manziel played 15 games over two seasons for the Browns. He completed 57 percent of his passes with seven touchdowns, seven interceptions and seven fumbles.
Manziel had significant problems off the field. He was investigated by Dallas police in 2016 for domestic violence against an ex-girlfriend, but the charges were dropped when he agreed to undergo counseling.
Following the 2015 season, Manziel entered a rehabilitation center and was suspended for the first four games of the 2016 season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.
Earlier this year, Manziel said he had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and is on medication. He told "Good Morning America" that he is "working to try to make sure I don't fall back into any type of depression because I know where that leads me and I know how slippery a slope that is for me."
Manziel said his partnership with Barstool Sports, which he said was a long time in the works, will include a "comeback season" podcast.
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