Although the Cleveland Browns have only played a couple of preseason games, Johnny Manziel is quickly gaining popularity among football fans. The attention he's getting is quite similar to what Tim Tebow received during his heydays.
According to Sports On Earth, fans and experts alike could not help but compare the rookie quarterback with the former Denver Broncos quarterback, especially when it comes to getting media attention. However, some found Tim Tebow's ESPN coverage rather dull. Manziel, on the other hand, appears more dangerous and unpredictable. Generally, Tebow was an attractive athlete who preferred to abide by the rules. Manziel, on the contrary, looks as if he is ready to break the rules depending on his mood.
In a report by USA Today, in the preseason match featuring the Cleveland Browns against the Washington Redskins, Manziel flipped off the Redskins bench to the delight of his opponents. Brian Orakpo said, It was hilarious. We were messing with him a little bit, just saying this ain't college and stuff like that. We were having a little fun. Manziel flipped us off. It was something funny. We were all laughing on the sidelines."
Sports on Earth writes that even though the NFL has yet to see what type of quarterback Manziel might turn out to be or if he truly has the skills and football IQ to become one of the premier quarterbacks in the NFL, he brings to the field a unique kind of excitement that has not been around for years. For a long time, ESPN has acclimated players to "mature" and play in the traditional manner that it believes football should be played, similar to the approach that Tim Tebow used, added Sports on Earth.
However, other fans and experts commented that Manziel's unpredictable nature and the risqué behavior he showed on the field is much needed in today's boring and stereotypical environment. ESPN needs to bring back that kind of craze and excitement.
Kent Sterling writes that Manziel is described as the "anti-Tebow", who currently has his entire career ahead of him. Many expect that his career will not last long, considering his crazy lifestyle and combative behavior while playing professional football. Manziel is going against a league that promises its most loyal and obedient players a long and prosperous life. Manziel has quarterback skills, but many do not see a very long football career ahead of him, considering his off-court antics and the way he accumulates hits. The habits will catch up to the 21-year-old eventually, but for now, ESPN can make the most out of his public life.