Johnny Manziel Calls Out Merril Hoge: He Should Worry About His Big Neckties

ESPN analyst Merril Hoge has been tough on Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel since he came into the NFL. Zac Jackson of ProFootballTalk outlined the history of criticism.

On Friday, Johnny Football responded.

Heading into his first start of the season in Week 2, Manziel was asked, “Isn't there something inside you that makes you want to shut up people like Merril Hoge?”

“I think Merril Hoge needs to worry about his big neckties,” the Browns' second-year QB retorted.

So, yes, Johnny hears the noise. Hoge also does wear enormous ties.

“Talking about Merril, he’s been that way since I decided to come out,” Manziel said. “That’s really part of it. But no, no extra motivation or extra bump for me, or anything like that. It’s just go out and play and quiet him with the way we go out and win on Sundays. That’s what we want to do.”

ESPN Insider Adam Schefter chimed in:

Athlete versus media member feuds are always fun. Let’s see what role the QB’s performance Sunday will play.

[Twitter, h/t ProFootballTalk]