The much-anticipated “Johnny Football” episode of the captivating sports docuseries Untold made its debut on Netflix. However, fans eager for an extensive look at Johnny Manziel’s tumultuous stint with the Cleveland Browns might find themselves waiting until the midway point of the 110-minute runtime. Instead, the documentary delves into Manziel’s evolution from a high school prodigy in Kerrville, Texas to a revolutionary football icon at Texas A&M.
Through a combination of vintage footage and fresh interviews with key figures like Manziel himself, his parents Paul and Michelle, sister Meri, former coach Kliff Kingsbury, former agent Erik Burkhardt, and more, director Ryan Duffy unravels the quarterback’s journey from a scrappy Johnny Manziel to the larger-than-life Johnny Football persona.
Johnny Football Dives Deep
Duffy’s vision for the documentary was to provide viewers with a nuanced and intimate understanding of the complex persona that is Johnny Manziel. As he says in a statement to Netflix, this isn’t your typical sports documentary featuring an older player reflecting on their victories and defeats. Instead, Johnny’s story is still in progress, and it aims to offer an honest and compelling look at his ongoing transformation.
Manziel candidly recalls his time with the Browns, admitting, “It didn’t take me very long to be in Cleveland to find out I wasn’t going to be happy there.” Despite having fame, fortune, and the coveted position of a first-round draft pick vying for the starting quarterback role, he felt an overwhelming emptiness. It’s a revelation that sheds light on the pressures and expectations faced by professional athletes.
The film covers Manziel’s two years in Cleveland, highlighting his struggles on the field, a penchant for partying, a public altercation with his girlfriend, a rehab stint during the offseason, and even a spontaneous trip to Las Vegas on the eve of a game. For Cleveland football fans, it’s a painful trip down memory lane, evoking mixed emotions of nostalgia and disappointment.
A Close Look at Mental Health
However, the film doesn’t stop at Manziel’s NFL journey. It takes viewers through the harrowing descent that followed. Manziel’s fall from grace was marked by rampant drug use, allegations of domestic violence, a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, a notorious $5 million spending spree, and a chilling suicide attempt.
In a haunting truth, Manziel shares that he had previously purchased a gun with the intent of ending his own life. He candidly reflects, “I had, months prior, went and bought a gun that I knew I was going to use. I wanted it to get as bad as humanly possible to where it made sense and it made it seem like an excuse and an out for me.” Yet, when he pulled the trigger, the gun malfunctioned, sparing his life in a moment of inexplicable fate.
The story leaves viewers with a sense of curiosity about Manziel’s current situation, offering a glimpse into a life marked by turbulence and transformation. It’s a story of trials, tribulations, and ultimately, the resilience of the human spirit, and it offers a captivating and authentic portrayal of Manziel’s life from high school sensation to NFL disappointment and beyond. It’s a tale of a life filled with extreme highs and lows, and the documentary serves as a testament to the ongoing transformation of an iconic sports figure.
Untold: Johnny Football is streaming now on Netflix.