Johnny Manziel, the once-promising football star, has faced a tragic downfall, as revealed in the latest installment of Netflix’s sports documentary series, Untold. Titled Untold: Johnny Football, the documentary delves into the controversial rise of Manziel in college football, his NFL career that ended in disappointment, and his subsequent fall from grace. The documentary sheds light on Manziel’s inability to move on from his past, painting a picture of a man stuck in a difficult place.
Directed by Ryan Duffy, the documentary covers various aspects of Manziel’s life, starting from his humble beginnings in a small town in Texas. However, the film could have delved deeper into his college football journey, skipping ahead to the pivotal moment on November 12, 2012. On that day, Manziel led Texas A&M to a surprising victory over the formidable Alabama, a win that not only made him a household name but also had a significant impact on Texas A&M’s economic fortunes.
Following Manziel’s victory, donations to Texas A&M more than doubled to $740 million. The newfound fame of Johnny Football brought in significant revenue and funding for athletic facilities upgrades, as the university capitalized on Manziel’s success. However, it was only a matter of time before Manziel found himself entangled in controversy, pushing the limits of the NCAA’s regulations by engaging in an autographs-for-cash scheme orchestrated by his childhood friend, Nate Fitch.
As the documentary reveals, Fitch took the fall when the NCAA investigated the scheme, allowing Manziel to escape severe consequences. However, this escape did little to prevent further troubles for the quarterback. In 2014, Manziel was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the first round, but his time with the team was marred by off-field issues and underwhelming performances.
The documentary highlights the efforts of Manziel’s former agent, Erik Burkhardt, to salvage his client’s reputation. However, his attempts were in vain as Manziel’s self-destructive behavior continued. The Cleveland Browns eventually released him in 2016, after only 14 lackluster games. Following his release, Manziel sank deeper into turmoil, recklessly spending money and even contemplating suicide.
While Manziel blames much of his troubles on his undiagnosed bipolar disorder during his youth, the documentary presents an unsatisfactory level of remorse from him, particularly concerning allegations of domestic abuse brought forth by his ex-girlfriend. Although the case was dismissed after Manziel attended anger management courses, the lack of accountability is apparent.
Untold: Johnny Football paints a picture of a troubled individual seemingly unable to move forward. Manziel’s unsuccessful attempts at a football comeback and his unsettled living situation reflect a man still stuck in the past, torn between Texas and Arizona.
The tragedy of Johnny Manziel lies not only in his failure to fulfill his tremendous potential but also in his continued struggle with personal demons. The documentary leaves viewers questioning why he seems incapable of making positive changes in his life. As his younger sister, Meri, puts it, He’s not in a place mentally to go out and do something right now.
Ultimately, Untold: Johnny Football offers a glimpse into the rise and fall of a once-promising football star, raising important questions about mental health, accountability, and the dangers of untamed fame. As Manziel navigates his uncertain future, it remains to be seen whether he can overcome his past and find a path towards redemption.
