Johnny Manziel Net Worth: The Rise and Fall of a Football Star

Johnny Manziel, a name synonymous with talent, controversy, and resilience, has intrigued sports enthusiasts and critics alike. From his electrifying performances on the college football field to his tumultuous professional career, Manziel’s journey is a compelling story of highs and lows. This article delves into the Johnny Manziel net worth, various aspects of his life and career, shedding light on his achievements, struggles, and financial status.
Profile Summary
Attribute | Details |
Full Name | Jonathan Paul Manziel |
Nickname | Johnny Football |
Gender | Male |
Birthday | December 6, 1992 |
Age | 31 years (as of 2024) |
Birthplace | Tyler, Texas |
Current Residence | Tyler, Texas |
Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | Italian and Lebanese |
Religion | Christianity |
Education | Texas A&M University |
Profession | Former Professional Football Player |
Father | Paul Manziel |
Mother | Michelle Manziel |
Siblings | Meri Manziel |
Sexuality | Straight |
Marital Status | Divorced |
Spouse | Bre Tiesi (divorced) |
Children | None |
Height | 6 feet (1.83 meters) |
Weight | 210 lbs (95 kg) |
Hair Color | Brown |
Eye Color | Brown |
Net Worth | $1 million (as of 2024) |
Source of Income | NFL Salary, Endorsements |
Social Media | Twitter, Instagram |
Who is Johnny Manziel?
Johnny Manziel, born on December 6, 1992, in Tyler, Texas, rose to fame as a college football sensation at Texas A&M. Known for his exceptional athleticism and dynamic playing style, Manziel quickly became a household name. His nickname, “Johnny Football,” encapsulates his identity as a remarkable quarterback who could turn the tide of any game with his skills.
Manziel’s journey from a promising college athlete to a professional football player in the NFL was filled with both success and challenges. Drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2014, his career in the NFL was short-lived but impactful. Despite facing numerous off-field issues, Manziel’s legacy in college football remains unparalleled, earning him the prestigious Heisman Trophy.
Johnny Manziel Net Worth
As of 2024, Johnny Manziel’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. This figure reflects a significant decrease from his peak earnings during his professional career. Various factors have contributed to this decline, including legal issues, substance abuse, and a series of career setbacks.

Manziel’s financial journey has been a rollercoaster, marked by substantial earnings from NFL contracts and lucrative endorsement deals. At the height of his career, he signed a four-year contract worth $8.3 million with the Cleveland Browns, including a $4.3 million signing bonus. However, his off-field controversies led to the termination of many endorsement deals, significantly impacting his net worth.
Also Read: Inside Lil Baby Net Worth
Early Life and Background
Born and raised in Tyler, Texas, Johnny Manziel’s early life was steeped in sports and athleticism. He excelled in football, basketball, baseball, and golf, showcasing his versatile talent from a young age. His family background, often rumored to be wealthy due to an oil fortune, played a significant role in shaping public perception.
However, the reality of Manziel’s family wealth was different. While there was some oil money in his family history, the grand narrative was largely exaggerated. His parents, Paul and Michelle Manziel, led modest lives, working as bartenders before his father transitioned into car sales and his mother into real estate.
College Career
Johnny Manziel’s college career at Texas A&M was nothing short of spectacular. He joined the team on an academic scholarship and quickly made a name for himself as an extraordinary quarterback. In 2012, he became the first freshman to win the prestigious Heisman Trophy, alongside the Davey O’Brien Award and the Manning Award.
Manziel’s college statistics were remarkable, with records such as passing for 3,000 yards and rushing for 1,000 yards in a single season. His ability to lead Texas A&M to significant victories, including an upset over top-ranked Alabama, solidified his place in college football history. His sophomore season continued his stellar performance, earning him a fifth-place finish in the 2013 Heisman Trophy voting.
Journey in Professional Football
Manziel declared for the 2014 NFL Draft and was selected by the Cleveland Browns as the 22nd overall pick. His professional career started with immense promise, but it was soon overshadowed by various challenges. Despite signing a lucrative contract worth $8.3 million over four years, his performance on the field was inconsistent.

His rookie season saw him struggling with form and off-field issues, leading to fines and a brief demotion. By 2016, the Browns had released Manziel due to his inability to stay out of trouble and maintain professional conduct. Despite flashes of brilliance, his NFL career was marred by controversies and a lack of sustained success.
Earnings from Endorsements
At the peak of his career, Johnny Manziel secured several high-profile endorsement deals. Companies like Nike, Nissan, McDonald’s, and Panini America were quick to sign him, recognizing his marketability and appeal. These deals brought in millions, further boosting his earnings and net worth.
However, the endorsement landscape changed drastically after a series of off-field incidents. By 2016, many of his sponsors, including Nike, had dropped him due to his ongoing legal and personal issues. The loss of these lucrative deals significantly impacted his financial stability and public image.
Life Beyond Football
Johnny Manziel’s personal life has been as turbulent as his professional career. His marriage to Bre Tiesi in 2018 ended in divorce in 2021, amidst allegations of infidelity and personal struggles. Manziel’s battle with substance abuse and mental health issues has been well-documented, contributing to his public persona’s complexity.
Despite these challenges, Manziel has shown resilience and a desire to rebuild his life. He has been open about his struggles, aiming to raise awareness and help others facing similar issues. His journey reflects a continuous battle between personal demons and the drive to reclaim his place in the world.
Johnny Manziel Family
The Manziel family, often surrounded by myths of immense wealth, led relatively modest lives. Johnny’s parents, Paul and Michelle Manziel, were not oil tycoons but hardworking individuals who provided a stable upbringing for their children. Paul worked as a car salesman, while Michelle pursued a career in real estate.
Despite the exaggerated narratives about their fortune, the Manziel family’s support played a crucial role in Johnny’s early sports career. Their background and values significantly influenced Johnny’s approach to life and his subsequent challenges and successes.
Truth About Family Wealth
The story of the Manziel family’s wealth is a blend of fact and fiction. While there is truth to the presence of oil money in their history, it was not as extensive as often portrayed. Johnny’s great-grandfather, Bobby Joe Manziel, struck oil in the 1930s, leading to some financial stability.
However, Johnny’s immediate family did not inherit vast fortunes. They led a relatively modest lifestyle, and Johnny’s claims of immense family wealth were often a cover for his own earnings from selling autographs during his college years. This embellishment was later revealed in his 2023 Netflix documentary.
Career Challenges with the Browns
Many fans and analysts believe that the Cleveland Browns played a part in Johnny Manziel’s professional downfall. Drafted with high expectations, Manziel faced immense pressure to perform and turn around a struggling franchise. The Browns’ handling of his development and off-field issues has been criticized.

Manziel’s own actions and lack of discipline were significant factors in his career’s trajectory. However, the Browns’ management decisions and the environment within the team also contributed to the challenges he faced. This complex interplay of factors ultimately led to the premature end of his NFL career.
Real Estate Investments
Johnny Manziel’s real estate ventures have also reflected the ups and downs of his financial journey. In October 2015, a $400,000 lake house owned by his grandfather burned down under mysterious circumstances. This incident was a part of the larger narrative of instability in his life.
Despite these challenges, Manziel has made several real estate investments. His primary residence in Tyler, Texas, valued at approximately $700,000, remains a symbol of his roots and family background. These properties reflect both his financial decisions and the influence of his family’s history.
Interesting Facts
- Birth: December 6, 1992, in Tyler, Texas
- Heisman Trophy: First freshman to win in 2012
- NFL Draft: Selected 22nd overall by the Cleveland Browns in 2014
- Contract: Four-year deal worth $8.3 million, including a $4.3 million signing bonus
- Net Worth (2024): Estimated at $1 million
- Endorsements: Nike, Nissan, McDonald’s, Panini America
- Family Home Value: $700,000
- Lake House Fire: October 2015, valued at $400,000
Bottom Line
Johnny Manziel’s story is one of immense talent, public scrutiny, and personal battles. From his dazzling college career to his turbulent time in the NFL, Manziel’s journey has been marked by highs and lows. Despite facing numerous challenges, his net worth and legacy continue to evoke interest and discussion.
His financial status, reflecting both past earnings and losses, serves as a reminder of the volatility of sports careers. Johnny Manziel remains a significant figure in football history, embodying the complexities of fame, wealth, and personal growth.
FAQs
What is Johnny Manziel’s net worth in 2024?
As of 2024, Johnny Manziel’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million.
What were Johnny Manziel’s major endorsements?
Manziel had endorsement deals with Nike, Nissan, McDonald’s, and Panini America.
How did Johnny Manziel’s family wealth influence his career?
Although rumored to be from a wealthy oil family, Manziel’s immediate family led modest lives, and the wealth narrative was often exaggerated to cover his autograph sales earnings during college.
What were the key factors in Johnny Manziel’s NFL career decline?
Manziel’s professional decline was due to a combination of off-field controversies, legal issues, and inconsistent performance on the field.
What was Johnny Manziel’s contract with the Cleveland Browns?
Manziel signed a four-year contract with the Cleveland Browns worth $8.3 million, including a $4.3 million signing bonus.
Did Johnny Manziel win any awards in college?
Yes, Manziel won the Heisman Trophy in 2012, becoming the first freshman to receive the award.
What led to the termination of Johnny Manziel’s endorsement deals?
Manziel’s endorsement deals were terminated due to his ongoing legal and personal issues, which led companies like Nike to drop him by 2016.
Where was Johnny Manziel born and raised?
Johnny Manziel was born and raised in Tyler, Texas.