Johnny Manziel Comments on Personal Issues, Potential Comeback

Controversial quarterback Johnny Manziel remains a free agent, but in a pair of social media posts Monday, he expressed determination to earn a new lease on life in the NFL.

Manziel released the following video on his Instagram account and made it clear he isn't ready to call it a career:

Manziel then apologized to his alma mater, Texas A&M, on Twitter and reiterated his intention to turn things around:

The Cleveland Browns released the former Heisman Trophy winner in March, but Manziel has remained in the headlines because of his hard-partying ways. Family, friends and former colleagues have voiced their concerns.

Even Johnny Football's father, Paul Manziel, made it clear in June he believed his son was going down the wrong path, per ESPN's Josina Anderson:

"

He's a druggie. It's not a secret that he's a druggie. I don't know what to say other than my son is a druggie and he needs help. He just hasn't [sought] it yet. Hopefully, he doesn't die before he comes to his senses. That's about all you can say. I don't know what else to say.

"

The NFL suspended Manziel for four games in June for violating the league's substance-abuse policy. Additional discipline remains possible depending on how the assault case involving his ex-girlfriend, Colleen Crowley, plays out as well.

The former first-round pick spent just two seasons with the Browns, going 2-6 as a starter and throwing for 1,675 yards to go along with seven touchdowns and seven interceptions.

In addition to his off-field problems, he didn't come anywhere close to living up to his on-field potential, and both of those aspects have likely played into teams' reluctance to sign him.

Teams are constantly in search of talent at the quarterback position, though, which means a healthy, clean Manziel could eventually be of interest to a franchise if he proves he has turned his life around.

The NFL is a league of second chances, as special players often get multiple opportunities despite personal demons, and even though Manziel has a long, uphill climb ahead of him, his comments suggest he is willing to take on the challenge.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter.