Johnny Manziel Explains Why He Would've Had to Take 'Pay Cut' to Go to NFL in NIL Era

Johnny Manziel was one of the most prolific college quarterbacks in recent memory, both in his ability on the field and his stardom off the field, but he missed out on the NIL era.

If Manziel's success at Texas A&M came a few years down the road, he thinks he would've had a hard time leaving college for the NFL.

"I really feel like I would've taken a pay cut had I gone to the NFL," he told ESPN's Greg McElroy (9:20 mark). "That's really what it would've been... I feel guys who are playing at a high level, who are really noticeable and really marketable are making a great amount of money to the point where guys have the opportunity to stay in school rather than go to the NFL early."

Manziel took over as Texas A&M's starter in 2012 and had a season for the ages, throwing for 3,706 yards and 26 touchdowns while adding 1,410 yards and 21 touchdowns on the ground, enough to earn him a Heisman Trophy.

He had a great final season with the Aggies in 2013, throwing for 4,114 yards and 37 touchdowns and rushing for 759 yards and nine touchdowns.

According to a 2013 report from ESPN, Texas A&M generated $740 million in donations from Sept. 1, 2012, to Aug. 31, 2013. Of course, some of those donations likely came out of the excitement about recently moving to the SEC, but it's hard to deny Manziel's impact.

Nowadays, boosters and fans can donate to NIL collectives that are used to pay top players. It's safe to say Manziel being in College Station would have given Texas A&M one of the biggest collectives in college football.

But Manziel was arguably just as prolific off the field as he was on it. He sat courtside at NBA games and hung out with celebrities like LeBron James and Drake. If he played in the NIL era, nearly every company would have been trying to sign him to a marketing deal.

Manziel ultimately didn't pan out in the NFL, but how much money he could have made in the NIL era remains one of the biggest hypothetical questions.