Johnny Manziel Admitting Himself into Rehab Is the Best Play of His Career

Johnny Manziel's love of the spotlight and enjoyment of partying has been apparent since before the preseason of his rookie campaign even began. According to Associated Press reporter Tom Withers, Manziel left Cleveland three consecutive weekends before the Browns opened their mandatory minicamp this past offseason:

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Manziel has left Cleveland each of the past three weekends, first taking a trip to Las Vegas, then to Los Angeles for a seminar with other rookies and then to his home state, where in addition to having some fun, he got drafted by the San Diego Padres and attended Game 2 of the NBA finals in San Antonio, sitting near Miami's bench while wearing a retro Cavaliers' cap.

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The fans, the coaches and even the media just brushed it all off. Nothing to be too concerned about, right? Apparently, everyone was just a bit off when it comes to this one.

Manziel is one of the most polarizing figures in sports, and that stands true even including the fact that he's only played in one full NFL game. For as much attention as Manziel gets, you'd assume that he had posted far better numbers in 2014 than a 51.4 completion percentage, zero passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. Tack on two interceptions and a fumble, and it sums up his entire rookie season.

Chalk the 2014 season up to what it truly was, a struggle for a first-year quarterback to adjust to playing at the next level. Is his career over? Not a chance. Will he become a superstar? No one knows the answer to that just yet, and it's unfair to give a definitive answer to that question.

While Manziel's numbers should worry Cleveland fans, it was likely how the end of the season played out that is the most worrisome. According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, the Browns had to send team security to find Manziel the day before the season finale. From there, I guess you could say that the rest is 2014 history.

Manziel had his chance to lead the Browns to the playoffs after a dismal stretch of play from Brian Hoyer. Hoyer, the opening day starter, wrapped up a three-game stretch where he completed 53.6 percent of his passes and threw zero touchdowns to seven interceptions.

The former Texas A&M Aggie could do very little with his opportunity, though, as he lost his only start in blowout fashion by a score of 30-0 to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Decision to Go to Rehab

As disappointing as Manziel's rookie season was, both on and off the field, one thing that he deserves some praise for is his recent decision to go to rehab.

According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Northeast Ohio Media Group, Manziel "finally raised his hand last week and admitted to his family and to the Browns that he needed help, that it was time to go to inpatient rehab for his possible dependence on alcohol."

The talented quarterback, who has the ability to make big plays with both his arm and his legs, has made plenty of jaw-dropping plays throughout his career. His decision to go to rehab this offseason? Well, that may end up being the best play of his entire career at the end of the day.

Manziel is disliked by some fans for various reasons, including the infamous "money sign" that he threw up so many times in college. We were able to see that money sign a few times this season, specifically when he was drafted by the Browns and again after his rushing touchdown against the Buffalo Bills.

Whether you love him, hate him or simply don't care about what he does, this is a big decision. It's a decision that could end up potentially keeping his career, and his life, from going off the deep end.

Imagine being a 22-year-old Heisman Trophy winner who just got to the NFL. You received a contract that includes a $4.3 million signing bonus and more than $8 million in guaranteed money. It must feel like you have the entire world in the palm of your hand.

It's easy to say that Manziel should just stay away from the drama and the party scene, but no one can truly imagine what Manziel's life is like. The former Aggie didn't need to go to rehab if he didn't want to. He had convinced everyone that he was ready to fully focus on football before the 2014 NFL draft, so why couldn't he do it again?

The answer is pretty simple: He could have, but he just chose not to. Manziel decided to make the right decision and get help. While you don't need to pull for No. 2 to win a Super Bowl or become a Pro Bowler, we should all pull for him to get the help he needs and give himself a chance at a successful career and life.