Johnny Manziel, the former NFL quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner, revealed in a new Netflix documentary that he contemplated suicide in 2016 after his NFL career ended. Following his release from the Cleveland Browns in March of that year, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, which had a significant impact on his mental health.
During that period, Manziel spiraled into a dangerous lifestyle. He admitted to using cocaine and the prescription drug OxyContin and went on a reckless spending spree, blowing through millions of dollars. He also experienced a significant weight loss, dropping from 215 pounds to 175 pounds over nine months. In his darkest moment, he even purchased a gun with the intention of ending his life. However, when he attempted to use the gun, it malfunctioned, sparing his life.
After his suicide attempt, Manziel decided to fly back to Texas to be with his family, seeking their support and comfort. The documentary, part of Netflix’s “Untold” series, covers Manziel’s journey from his meteoric rise as “Johnny Football” at Texas A&M, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 2012, to his struggles in the NFL, numerous arrests, and eventual release in 2016.
Throughout his football career, Manziel faced both success and controversy. He had an impressive collegiate career at Texas A&M but faced scrutiny for allegedly accepting money for autographs, which led to a suspension by the NCAA. In the NFL, he played for the Cleveland Browns but struggled to find consistent success and faced numerous off-field issues.
Manziel’s life was marked by multiple arrests, including one in 2012 before his college career had even begun. He also entered a treatment facility in 2015 for unspecified reasons, and during that time, he faced a demotion by the Browns for lying about a video. Additionally, he was involved in an assault case in 2016, leading to his eventual release from the Browns.
In the documentary, Manziel shares that he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder after his release from the NFL, and he believes this diagnosis worsened his downward spiral. His father, Paul Manziel, expressed deep concern for his son’s well-being in the past, stating that he feared Johnny wouldn’t make it to his 24th birthday if he didn’t seek treatment.
Despite the hardships he faced, Manziel’s father remains hopeful for his son’s future. He believes that Johnny will have better days ahead and that their family can work together to mend fences and support him on his journey to recovery.
Recently, Manziel announced plans to open “Johnny Manziel’s Money Bar” near College Station, though further details about the bar’s location and opening date have not been disclosed.