Johnny Manziel

American college football quarterback who became the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy in 2012 while playing for Texas A&M University.

Born in Tyler, Texas in 1992, Jonathan Paul Manziel emerged from a middle-class family before becoming one of college football's most electrifying players. He attended Tivy High School in Kerrville, Texas, where he excelled in multiple sports including football, basketball, and baseball. Despite his athletic prowess, he received limited major college recruitment, ultimately choosing Texas A&M University over other regional options. Manziel's collegiate career began explosively in 2012 when he took over as the Aggies' starting quarterback. His freshman campaign revolutionized college football's offensive landscape, as he combined traditional passing skills with exceptional mobility and improvisational ability. His signature performance came against Alabama, where he led Texas A&M to a stunning upset victory over the top-ranked Crimson Tide, throwing for 253 yards and rushing for 92 more. The season culminated with 3,706 passing yards, 1,410 rushing yards, and 47 total touchdowns. His sophomore year in 2013 produced similarly impressive numbers, including over 4,100 total yards of offense. In 2012, Manziel became the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy, breaking a barrier that had stood since the award's inception in 1935. He earned consensus All-American honors and SEC Offensive Player of the Year recognition. His two-year Texas A&M career totaled 7,820 passing yards, 2,169 rushing yards, and 92 total touchdowns. The nickname "Johnny Football" became synonymous with his playing style and cultural impact. Manziel's influence on college football extends beyond statistics. His ability to extend plays through scrambling while maintaining downfield vision became a template for the modern dual-threat quarterback position. His collegiate success led to selection by the Cleveland Browns as the 22nd overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, though his professional career was brief and troubled by personal issues. His freshman Heisman season remains a watershed moment in college football history.

Dual-threat quarterback known for improvisation, mobility, and ability to make plays outside the pocket

Revolutionary dual-threat quarterback who changed expectations for freshman players in college football

• Heisman Trophy (2012)
• First freshman Heisman winner
• SEC Offensive Player of Year
• Consensus All-American