What Happened to Johnny Manziel? All About His Ups and Downs After the NFL

Johnny Manziel, known throughout his career as “Johnny Football,” burst into the spotlight as the quarterback for Texas A&M University. He earned a Heisman Trophy in 2012 and became a household name early in his career.

However, his transition to the NFL with the Cleveland Browns in 2014 was marked by both promise and controversy. Despite his potential, Manziel’s football career was overshadowed by instances of misconduct and off-field issues, ultimately leading to his release from the team in 2016.  

In the years following his departure from the NFL, Manziel faced a series of personal and legal issues, including a highly publicized marriage and subsequent divorce to Selling Sunset star Bre Tiesi, as well as various stints in alternative football leagues such as the Canadian Football League and the Alliance of American Football.

In recent years, Manziel has faced and addressed his struggles with mental health and substance abuse, ultimately embarking on recovery.

So, what else has Manziel been up to since exiting the NFL? Here’s everything to know about where Johnny Manziel is now — including his latest reality TV show appearance.

Why did Johnny Manziel leave the NFL?

Manziel’s exit from the NFL was a cumulation of poor performance and off-field issues. Drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft, Manziel had moments that showcased his athleticism on the field but struggled with misbehavior that began to “alarm” the NFL team shortly after his draft, including giving an opposing team the middle finger (resulting in a $12,000 fine) and partying in Las Vegas wearing a disguise when he was supposed to be with the team. 

Manziel’s behavior off the field included a domestic violence allegation in early 2016, which significantly impacted his standing with the Browns. On Feb. 5, 2016, Dallas police reopened a criminal investigation into Manziel following allegations of assault/domestic violence of his ex-girlfriend, Colleen Crowley. 

Crowley claimed that Manziel had assaulted her in January 2016, leading to his eventual indictment on misdemeanor assault charges in April 2016. Following the allegations but prior to the indictment, the Browns made the decision to release him in March 2016, and he was not picked up by another team. Manziel later reached an agreement with prosecutors to dismiss the misdemeanor domestic violence charge.

“I want to make sure we all understand that that behavior will not be tolerated as we move forward,” Browns head coach Hue Jackson said at the time, per CNN. “I want to leave it at that. Our organization is going to take a stand, and we’re going to move on from those kind of situations as we move forward.”

What happened to Johnny Manziel after the NFL?

After leaving the NFL, Manziel attempted to continue his professional football career in various leagues. In 2018, Manziel signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League (CFL) and later played for the Montreal Alouettes. His time in the CFL was short-lived, and he was released from the Alouettes in February 2019, as he was “unable to abide by the terms of his agreement,” CFL general manager Kavis Reed said at the time. 

Following his CFL stint, Manziel joined the Memphis Express of the Alliance of American Football (AAF) in 2019. However, the league folded after just eight games, and Manziel’s time with the Express was limited. He also participated in Fan Controlled Football (FCF), a league known for its unique fan-driven format, from 2021 to 2022.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Manziel underwent radical changes in his personal life regarding his mental health as he struggled with drug and alcohol addiction throughout his NFL career. In February 2018, he told ESPN he had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder — a condition he was taking meds for and those in his life have seen a “drastic change.” 

In a conversation with USA Today in June 2018, he also noted that he was prioritizing his mental health as a means to maintain his career in football. 

“That’s the scary thing about my mental health: If I don’t continuously take care of it and make it the biggest priority in my life, I’m going to struggle,” Manziel said. “That’s hard to say. You’re making mental health a priority over your job? Well, there is no job without my mental health. There is no life and there is no family for me without my head.”

Is Johnny Manziel still playing football?

As of now, Manziel is not actively playing professional football. After his time with the Memphis Express and Fan Controlled Football, he has not signed with any new teams or leagues.

In August 2024, the former NFL star launched a new podcast series, Glory Daze, with Almost Friday Media. 

“I’ll get the opportunity to sit down with other iconic athletes and help them share their incredible stories,” Manziel said in a statement in September 2024, per Fox News. “We’ll look back through the lens of the players themselves, giving fans an inside look at the moments they remember and the stories they’ve never heard.”

Is Johnny Manziel married?

Manziel was previously married to Selling Sunset star Bre Tiesi. The couple got engaged in March 2017, and married in a private ceremony a year later in March 2018. However, their marriage was filled with difficulties, including allegations of Manziel cheating. They ultimately split in 2019 and finalized their divorce in 2021.

“Bre decided she was done,” a source PEOPLE in 2019. “Johnny wanted to work it out. But she wasn’t having it. So they decided earlier this week that it’s over. Now they both have to move on.”

Tiesi has since welcomed a son, Legendary Love Cannon, with Nick Cannon.

Where is Johnny Manziel now?

In August 2023, Manziel was featured in Netflix’s Untold: Johnny Football, which chronicled his rise and fall in the NFL. In wake of the documentary, the former player told PEOPLE that his career in football had reached its end. 

“I have so much life left to live, and my football chapter’s closed, but let’s find out what’s going to be next and what I want to do moving forward to make myself happy and live a nice life,” he said. 

Manziel added that he now spends his days enjoying a slower pace of life, prioritizing family time and golf. Residing in Scottsdale, Arizona — which he dubs “the mecca of golf” — he plays as much as he can and keeps a routine of golf, dinner with friends and relaxation.

In April 2024, he was linked to model Josie Canseco, after the pair each shared a picture of them cozying up at a country music festival, Stagecoach.

Most recently, Manziel joined his ex-wife Tiesi on season 8 of Selling Sunset, where the real estate agent helped the former athlete search for a home in Los Angeles.