Johnny Manziel Releases Statement After Being Waived by Browns

Quarterback Johnny Manziel released a statement Friday, shortly after the Cleveland Browns ended his controversial tenure with the team by waiving him.  

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport tweeted Johnny Football's comments, as provided by his publicist:

Although the move had been expected for weeks, the Browns officially announced their decision to part ways with Manziel on Friday, two days after the beginning of the new league year.

The fact that Manziel was placed on waivers means any team can claim him, and it also ensures he'll receive a large chunk of what remained on his contract, per Rapoport:

On the heels of such a tumultuous stint in Cleveland, though, Manziel may find it difficult to catch on with another team.

In addition to a myriad of off-field issues, including a trip to rehab and domestic violence allegations by his ex-girlfriend, Manziel failed to live up to his first-round billing on the field. He threw for just 1,675 yards, seven touchdowns and seven interceptions and went 2-6 in eight career starts.

With the former Heisman Trophy winner struggling in all aspects, ESPN Cleveland's Tony Grossi felt as though it was important for the Browns to move on:

Manziel must now convince another NFL team to take a chance on him if he wants to continue his playing career, but the added possibility of a league-mandated punishment is another factor standing in his way:

Johnny Football does have the benefit of the fact that quality quarterbacks are in high demand in the NFL, so a signal-caller with the type of potential he possesses could appeal to someone as a reclamation project.

Manziel has a lot to prove both on and off the field, which is something the Browns weren't willing to wait on.

If the Texas A&M alum is able to stay out of trouble and show that he is committed to his craft, however, he could be a player an organization deems to be worth a flier.

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