Johnny Manziel Deserves NFL Shot, Tiger-Cats Head Coach June Jones Says

Hamilton Tiger-Cats head coach June Jones believes Johnny Manziel deserves a second chance to play in the National Football League. 

Per ESPN's David Hamilton, Jones explained that Manziel's work with the CFL team will help him get another shot in the NFL. 

"I've been pleasantly surprised the last three weeks what a good teammate he is, how smart he is, how he sees the game," Jones said. "He should be playing in the National Football League, and I believe he will when he gets through with us."

Jones also offered a potential timetable for Manziel to get back to the NFL. 

"It'll take two years," he said. "They're [NFL executives, coaches] waiting to see that he's taken care of his off-the-field problems."

After being out of football for more than two years, Manziel signed a two-year contract with the Tiger-Cats in May. 

"Made the decision today to sign my contract with the CFL and further my football career after a long break," he wrote on Twitter. "Very grateful for everyone that's been supporting me along the way. I believe this is the best opportunity for me moving forward and I'm eager for what the future holds."

Now 25 years old, Manziel announced in February he had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He was cut by the Cleveland Browns, who drafted him No. 22 overall in 2014, after two seasons.

Manziel is the backup quarterback to Jeremiah Masoli for the Tiger-Cats, who opened their season on June 16 against Calgary. The 2012 Heisman Trophy winner went 12-of-20 for 88 yards in a June 9 preseason game against Montreal.