Jordan’s Serial: Manziel’s Manning Madness
Johnny Manziel, Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback from Texas A&M, has left the 2013 Manning Passing Academy early, citing illness as the reason, although some reports are suggesting it was something more than that.
Apparently he had missed scheduled assignments and meetings, and practice sessions as a college coach/counsellor due to falling ill. There were rumours that suggested he had been sent home by Archie Manning, father of Super Bowl winning quarterbacks Peyton and Eli, because of reported partying and a hangover. Camp officials acted quickly and were adamant that this was not the reason, issuing the following statement.
“Johnny Manziel did participate in some activities in the 2013 Manning Passing Academy as a college counsellor/coach. After missing and being late for practice assignments, Johnny explained that he had been feeling ill. Consequently, we agreed that it was in everyone’s best interest for him to go home a day early.”
Manziel had attended the camp, now in its 18th year, in the past when in high school. This was his first time as a coach/counsellor. This year’s camp, which was held at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, Louisana, started on Thursday and ended on Sunday morning. Manziel was reported to have left on Saturday afternoon having missed the morning’s activities.
“Johnny Football”, as he is more widely known, won the Heisman award in his freshman year and will look to back up his amazing start to college football in the coming months. This small setback has been downplayed by the eldest Manning brother, Peyton: “I can remember a 20-year-old Eli missing a meeting and catching some flak. We always have counsellors who leave early. Johnny was great with the campers for the time he was here.”
The nickname of Johnny Football is now a registered trademark, let’s hope for him that this is just a blip on his otherwise unblemished off the field record, and not a new trend he’s about to set.
