Imagine a world where Johnny Manziel succeeds Peyton Manning. Von Miller already did.
Miller expressed support for Manziel during a recent interview with GQ magazine that covered a wide range of topics. The Broncos linebacker also speculated on the fellow Texas A&M alum’s future, throwing out a suggestion that’s even more interesting given Denver’s quarterback situation.
“Not only will he be back in the league — of course I’m biased — I still feel like he has a lot of game left in him. I feel like the world hasn’t even seen him get down yet,” Miller told GQ. “Some of the stuff he was doing in college, he gonna do the exact same thing in the National Football League. I feel like — you know you never want to blame a team — I don’t think he had enough support around him.
“Who knows? You might see Johnny Manziel in Denver.”
This could be nothing more than a throwaway comment from Miller, who’s obviously showing support for a friend. Manziel had an excellent college career with the Aggies, but he’s been nothing but trouble since joining the NFL. The Broncos might not want the headache that comes with Johnny Football and his hard-partying ways, especially if they sign Brock Osweiler to be their franchise quarterback moving forward in the post-Manning era.
“I’m here for (Manziel). I got advice for days,” Miller, who plans to work out with Manziel, told GQ. “I’m not the type of guy that’s going to (say), ‘Hey, you should be doing this. Or doing that.’ He’s on the right track. We’ve all made mistakes. I’ve made mistakes as well. I’ll be the first one to tell anybody that.
“I’m here for him. And I wouldn’t be there for him if he was doing crazy stuff. It’s just how it is. I really think he’s on the right track. I’m here for him — like I said — and we’re going to get it done.”
Miller and Manziel never played together at Texas A&M. Miller was drafted second overall by the Broncos in 2011, whereas Manziel didn’t become a star with the Aggies until the 2012 campaign. There’s evidently a strong bond between the two former college standouts, however, and Miller’s support hasn’t wavered even as Manziel has fallen into hot water several times since being drafted 22nd overall by the Cleveland Browns in 2014.
“I love him to death. And he knows the type of support he has,” Miller said, per GQ. “It’s ultimately all up to the individual but it also takes a support system and the type of support Johnny has is second to none. I’m first on that list. Whatever he needs, I’m going to get it done for him.”
Well, if the Browns cut Manziel, the third-year QB will need a job. Even the reigning Super Bowl MVP might not be able to provide that despite his outside-the-box suggestion.
Thumbnail photo via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images
