With the Heisman ceremony last night, there's been discussion of Johnny Football's magical 2012 year capped off by the win against OU in the Cotton Bowl. I was at that game and posted comments in another thread suggesting that his performance the next year in what turned out to be his last college game against Duke in the Chick-fil-A (Peach) Bowl was even more magical. I also attended that game and will admit to being extremely discouraged at halftime (yes, BAS in full form!). But, in true JFF style, he engineered an unbelievable comeback. Having watched Manziel in many games over those two years, he was a one-of-a-kind college football player. Some have suggested that Johnny would not have continued to excel had he stayed at TAMU two more years (lack of motivation, loss of his offensive line, etc). However, anyone watching his performance on New Year's Eve 2013/2014 would beg to differ!

The three minute mark when he tries to jump INTO the LOs, then backs out, then short toss to the sideline for a touchdown.

Just classic JFF

Agreed. A classic JFF play reminiscent of his "Heisman moment" against Alabama in 2012.

What was that play called where our #4 on defense caught the ball after the Duke QB passed it? That was awesome! We should do more of that.

All those people who like to say JFF just chucked up passes and let Mike Evans go get it can just stop. Forever.

Amazing, and some huge plays by our D .

johnny football was one of the top college football players i have ever seen. the only other dude that dropped my jaw as often as JFF did was barry sanders. there have been many other great players but those two are a cut abover the rest for me.

Need some of that Hurd Jr pick 6 energy against Beck on the 20th - BTHO miami baby

Seeing 38 points scored against by the time we were barely in the 3rd is so gross.

There was no bigger "Johnny Football" fan than I and I am appreciative of the fruits of his talent on the field, but not anymore. I defended this guy with the autograph deal, the abuse allegations, the drug allegations, etc. His documentary opened my naive eyes to the fact that he was no more than a common thug who didn't care about anything or anyone, but himself.

Ian Neff said:

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Seeing 38 points scored against by the time we were barely in the 3rd is so gross.

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Such a waste of jff year 2. If only Sumlin could have fielded a decent D. Heard the comment about a receiver converted to LB - that's Sumlin recruiting in a nutshell.

JFF said that he was diagnosed with being bipolar after his time in the nfl. The ADA list bipolar as a disability due to it effecting ever aspect of one's life. Symptoms can include poor life decisions with alcohol, drugs, sex, and money.

Its easy to judge when you haven't walked in his shoes.

DGrimesAg92 said:

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There was no bigger "Johnny Football" fan than I and I am appreciative of the fruits of his talent on the field, but not anymore. I defended this guy with the autograph deal, the abuse allegations, the drug allegations, etc. His documentary opened my naive eyes to the fact that he was no more than a common thug who didn't care about anything or anyone, bit himself.

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Merry Christmas JW!

If I rewound 10 years of my life, this would still be 2 years in my past. Hard to believe it's been that long.

I mostly lurk here, don't comment much, and make even fewer posts. Like everyone, I've been disappointed in some of Johnny's
choices. Still, he was an unbelievabe college football player AND leader. Go back and watch the Peach bowl highlights as he rallies the fans and urges his teammates on during the comeback (lip read, "take it, take it!"). A quick follow up story to help make the point. I was with a small group of Ags that happened to run into JFF at Northgate early in 2014 not long after the Peach Bowl. We complimented him on the game and his leadership coming out for the second half. He said something to the effect of, "Oh that wasn't me, it was Ben (running back Ben Malena). I was in the locker room puking my guts out." (I believe there were times during the game when he could be seen vomiting on the side line presumably due to a GI problem). Yes, Johnny has had his demons. But, in my limited exposure to him, he was always humble and respectful. FWIW.

DGrimesAg92 said:

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There was no bigger "Johnny Football" fan than I and I am appreciative of the fruits of his talent on the field, but not anymore. I defended this guy with the autograph deal, the abuse allegations, the drug allegations, etc. His documentary opened my naive eyes to the fact that he was no more than a common thug who didn't care about anything or anyone, bit himself.

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Common thug? Tell me you didn't grow up in Houston without telling me you didn't. JFF a common thug? Get off the internet bro.

Go back to sleep, old man.

I've always had somewhat mixed feelings about having a big heroic moment in modern Aggie football lore being a comeback against Duke in the Chik fil A bowl.

Not sure I can help you. This post/discussion is not intended to celebrate "a big heroic moment in modern Aggie football lore." As a point of reference, the Heisman Trophy ceremony was held last night and Johnny Manziel is one of only two TAMU players to ever win that prestigious award. The 2013/14 Peach Bowl was his last college football game. Some of us old Ags enjoyed that period of A&M football and like to reminisce on related topics, including whether Manziel wouid have sustained that level of performance had he stayed for his remaining two years of eligibility. Hope that provides needed context.

Bob Knights Liver said:

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What was that play called where our #4 on defense caught the ball after the Duke QB passed it? That was awesome! We should do more of that.

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Well, ask Tim Walz. He says AOC runs a mean pick six play on Madden.

Sparkie said:

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JFF said that he was diagnosed with being bipolar after his time in the nfl. The ADA list bipolar as a disability due to it effecting ever aspect of one's life. Symptoms can include poor life decisions with alcohol, drugs, sex, and money.

Its easy to judge when you haven't walked in his shoes.

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An excuse and a crutch, but if he's cleaned up, good for him.

Captain Winky said:

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Go back to sleep, old man.

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SMD pampers. Send your chick over here, she's the one who'll need a nap like your mom did.

It seems there are two possibilities for your post. Are you questioning the diagnosis of bipolar? If so, on what basis? Johnny's behavior is certainly compatible. Perhaps, instead, you're suggesting that bipolar itself is an "excuse and crutch." If so, I hope you never have a loved one stricken by this horrible disease. The manic attacks are devastating and people can be suicidal during periods of depression. It's very real and can tear a family apart.

I remember wondering who the hell 15 was at the spring game, what a pleasant surprise that season.

I worked with one of the starting safeties from that Duke team. I asked him about Johnny and he said hands down he was the toughest QB he ever faced, and he played against Jameis and Lamar. He said in the second half of that game, Johnny was actively calling off the plays being signaled in and called his own plays the rest of the way. He was HC (from a motivational standpoint), OC and QB in that game. Truly a one of a kind player. It's a shame he didn't get the help he needed/get out of his own way after he left A&M

Thanks for this insight. Being at the game and watching the comeback unfold, I got chills reading your post. Funny how the game of college football can affect us.

The Banned said:

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I worked with one of the starting safeties from that Duke team. I asked him about Johnny and he said hands down he was the toughest QB he ever faced, and he played against Jameis and Lamar. He said in the second half of that game, Johnny was actively calling off the plays being signaled in and called his own plays the rest of the way. He was HC (from a motivational standpoint), OC and QB in that game. Truly a one of a kind player. It's a shame he didn't get the help he needed/get out of his own way after he left A&M

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I heard this stated once before on here years ago (maybe it was you?). Anyway, I remember it as he would just get in the huddle and say "Eff that" and call his own play. What are they (Aggie coaches) going to do about it with 28 minute of his Aggie career left to play and him mounting one of the biggest comebacks in Aggie bowl game history.