Former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel, widely recognized as “Johnny Football,” achieved a significant milestone in his mixed martial arts career on Saturday night, securing his inaugural professional victory.
The 33-year-old athlete, who gained collegiate football renown before a tumultuous professional journey, emerged victorious against Bob Menery. The bout concluded in the first round via ground and pound at Brandrisk Promotions 14, held on May 23.
Manziel’s legacy in football is cemented by his achievement as the first freshman to be awarded the Heisman Trophy in 2012. His NFL career began when he was drafted 22nd overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 2014 NFL Draft.
However, his professional football aspirations were cut short, marred by both on-field performance issues and off-field controversies, largely attributed to a lifestyle of excessive partying and insufficient preparation. He played only two seasons with the Browns before his release in early 2016.