From Heisman To Hospitality: 5 Shocking Things Johnny Manziel Is Doing Now In 2025

Contents

The tumultuous and captivating saga of Johnny Manziel, the former Heisman Trophy winner dubbed "Johnny Football," continues to evolve, with his life after the NFL now featuring a surprising pivot into business, media, and reality television. As of late December 2025, Manziel is officially retired from professional football, but his career trajectory is anything but quiet, marked by a new bar venture in College Station, a high-stakes media role, and a recent public apology for a no-show at a major ESPN event.

The journey from the dazzling highs of Texas A&M to a brief, controversial NFL career with the Cleveland Browns has been well-documented, including in the Netflix documentary *Untold: Johnny Football*. However, the most current updates show a man finding new footing outside the gridiron, building a brand based on his legendary college persona and leveraging his fame into new, diverse business ventures.

Jonathan Paul Manziel: Biography and Football Profile

Jonathan Paul Manziel, universally known as "Johnny Football," captured the American sports landscape with his electrifying play at Texas A&M University. His career was a flash of brilliance that set records and earned him one of college football's most prestigious awards.

  • Full Name: Jonathan Paul Manziel
  • Nickname: Johnny Football
  • Born: December 6, 1992, in Tyler, Texas
  • Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
  • Weight: 207–210 lbs (93–95 kg)
  • College: Texas A&M Aggies
  • Heisman Trophy: Winner (2012) – The first freshman to ever win the award.
  • NFL Draft: 1st Round, 22nd overall pick by the Cleveland Browns (2014)
  • Post-NFL Career: Played in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the Alliance of American Football (AAF), and Fan Controlled Football (FCF).

1. The Pivot to Hospitality: Opening "Johnny Manziel's Money Bar"

One of the freshest and most talked-about ventures for Manziel is his move into the hospitality industry, a direct nod to his college town legacy. Manziel is set to open his own establishment, "Johnny Manziel's Money Bar," in College Station, Texas.

The new bar is strategically located on College Main Street, approximately a 15-minute walk from Kyle Field, the Texas A&M stadium where the "Johnny Football" legend was born. This business venture capitalizes on the enduring nostalgia and fame he holds with the Aggie faithful, transforming his iconic status into a tangible, local business.

This move positions Manziel not just as a former athlete, but as a local entrepreneur, looking to connect with the current Texas A&M student body and alumni. It marks a significant financial and business shift away from his previous focus on professional sports.

2. From Quarterback to Analyst: A New Media Career Path

Manziel has successfully transitioned into the sports media world, leveraging his deep knowledge of college football and his controversial past to provide unique commentary. He has joined The Action Network's podcast, "Big Bets on Campus," as a college football analyst.

This role allows Manziel to remain connected to the sport he loves, offering insights and predictions, particularly in the realm of sports gambling, a massive industry where his personal brand holds significant weight. His involvement in the media industry signals a calculated move to build a sustainable, long-term career off the field.

Furthermore, he has also served as a contracted correspondent for a sports outlet covering the Texas A&M Aggies, keeping him directly involved with his alma mater's football program. This media presence ensures that the "Johnny Football" name remains relevant and a constant topic of conversation during the college football season.

3. Testing His Limits: Competing on "Special Forces" Reality TV

In a surprising twist, Manziel has also stepped into the world of intense reality television. He is a confirmed celebrity cast member for Season 4 of the Fox series *Special Forces: World's Toughest Test*.

The show puts celebrities through grueling military-style training exercises designed by former special forces operatives. This challenge is a stark contrast to the glitz of the NFL and CFL, and it will test Manziel’s physical and mental endurance to the extreme. His participation in *Special Forces* indicates a desire to prove his resilience and grit to the public, moving beyond the narratives of his partying past and failed NFL career.

4. The Status of His Football Career and Comeback Attempts

As of late 2025, Johnny Manziel is not actively playing professional football. His last official stints were in the CFL, the AAF, and the Fan Controlled Football (FCF) league.

He did, however, confirm that he attempted an NFL comeback in 2024. While he did not secure a spot, he made it clear that he would not be pursuing a career in the UFL (United Football League), indicating that his focus has permanently shifted away from a return to the professional gridiron. This retirement allows him to fully commit to his new business and media endeavors.

5. Recent News Cycle: The College GameDay No-Show

In a reminder that Manziel's life remains front-page news, he was involved in a minor controversy in December 2025. Manziel was scheduled to appear on ESPN’s *College GameDay* but was a sudden no-show, leading to confusion among fans and media.

He later issued a public apology for missing the appearance, which was intended to celebrate his legacy at Texas A&M. This incident, though minor, highlights the intense public scrutiny that still follows "Johnny Football," even years after his professional retirement, and underscores his ongoing relationship with his college roots. Manziel continues to navigate the complexities of his celebrity status in his new life as an entrepreneur and media personality.

what does johnny manziel do now
what does johnny manziel do now

Detail Author:

  • Name : Dr. Johanna Bode
  • Username : mathew.prosacco
  • Email : orrin.buckridge@gmail.com
  • Birthdate : 1973-12-27
  • Address : 94293 Donnelly Neck New Floyport, MO 32395-6700
  • Phone : 1-804-507-2256
  • Company : Gulgowski Ltd
  • Job : Stock Broker
  • Bio : Iure esse quia libero facere omnis dolorem. Omnis libero dolor veritatis accusantium aut pariatur sed. Soluta maiores sed neque voluptas sit sed. Iure nam rerum quia quas veritatis voluptatem.

Socials

facebook:

instagram:

linkedin:

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/beer2010
  • username : beer2010
  • bio : Cumque officia labore asperiores. Eum illum repellendus ipsum atque officiis quidem amet atque. Id sed consequatur cupiditate at.
  • followers : 131
  • following : 166