Johnny Football is about to become Johnny Alliance.
Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Johnny Manziel has joined the Memphis Express of the Alliance of American Football and will attempt to continue his playing career in the fledgling spring league.
Welcome to the 901 @JManziel2
— Memphis Express (@aafexpress) March 17, 2019
✈️ | #AllAboard pic.twitter.com/06qoyXzi5z
It was first reported late Saturday night that Manziel, who’s made stops in the NFL and the Canadian Football League, signed the player agreement required for athletes to join the AAF. The San Antonio Commanders had his initial league rights because Manziel went to college at nearby Texas A&M, but the team relinquished them.
The Express, coached by Hall of Fame linebacker Mike Singletary, were first in the waiver order to claim Manziel because they are a league-worst 1-5 through six games. Memphis has struggled with former NFL quarterbacks Christian Hackenberg and Zach Mettenberger at the helm.
Manziel immediately becomes the AAF’s biggest-name player and most marketable star.
The 5-foot-11 quarterback won the 2012 Heisman for a stellar freshman season at Texas A&M. He was drafted 22nd by the Cleveland Browns in 2014 but only spent two years in the league due to trouble on and off the field.
Football fans won’t have much opportunity this year to see Manziel suit up for the Express. The AAF regular season ends on April 14; Memphis has four games left and needs a strong finish to make a playoff push.
• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.
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