Former Texas A&M and Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel joined the Memphis Express Monday and fans had mixed reactions on the Memphis Express – Official Group Facebook page:

“We’ve officially scraped the bottom of the barrel. Manziel is the last person in the world the Express needs.”

“We just became much watch TV for all the wrong reasons and I can’t wait to watch this train wreck waiting to happen let’s go Manziel entertain us.”

“I’m not a fan of Manziel, but as someone who wants the Express and AAF to build a fan base I will welcome him with open arms.”

“Fair-weather fans can go root for the Apollos. I’ll stand with the Express win for lose.”

The former Heisman Trophy winner comes to Memphis after failed attempts at the National Football League and Canadian Football League. Despite fan’s feelings, Manziel is happy to have this opportunity.

“I’m just excited to get back to playing American football again,” Manziel told Express team reporter Dylan Rubino. “I’m excited to get back to the basics of football.”

Manziel broke numerous records in college for the Aggies and became the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy, earning the nickname “Johnny Football.” However his off-the-field reputation of partying and drug and alcohol abuse made him a polarizing character in the football world. He was drafted 22^ndoverall by the Cleveland Browns in the 2014 NFL Draft. During his time in Cleveland, Manziel was ineffective as quarterback, going 147 – 258, seven touchdowns and seven interceptions in two seasons. During his tenure, pictures and videos showed Manziel partying the night before football games, and he failed to report to Browns practices more than once. He was also indicted by a grand jury on misdemeanor assault charges in a domestic violence incident involving his former girlfriend, Colleen Crowley. Following this incident, Manziel was cut by the Browns and suspended four games by the NFL for violating their substance abuse policy. He entered into a plea agreement in which Manziel agreed to go to counseling and have his behavior monitored by prosecutors for a year.

Manziel spent two years away from football before signing with the Hamilton Tiger Cats in the CFL in 2018. He was traded to the Montreal Alouettes where he went 106 – 165, five touchdowns and seven interceptions in eight games. At the end of the season, the Alouettes released Manziel and he was banned from the CFL due to allegedly violating the terms of his contract, although the specifics as to why have not been revealed.

AAF co-founder Charlie Ebersol is aware of Manziel’s past, but believes the league can put him on a path to redemption.

“We’re a league of opportunity, so we’re looking for players in need of opportunity and giving them a path back to the NFL,” Ebersol told ESPN’s Outside the Lines Monday. “Johnny is the epitome of a generational player who has had his struggles, both personal on and off the field. We think there’s an opportunity in a league like ours with the type of leadership like a Mike Singletary, as will be his coach in Memphis, to really give him an opportunity to play.”

Manziel passed his mandatory physical Monday, spent time with his new Express teammates and worked on some quarterback drills. He also met with Coach Singletary. Manziel will wear his trademark number 2 jersey.

Ebersol is confident in Manziel’s abilities and believes his new career in the AAF will benefit him and the league. As for the fans, here are some more comments:

“I haven’t been to a game yet, but now I so want to and I know I’m not the only one.”

“Hopefully he’ll put butts in the seats. And if he’s good…”

“This dude failed at the CFL. Y’all think he’s the Savior? Lol.”

“Worthless piece of s**t.”

Memphis and the AAF may get their first look at Manziel when the Express (1-5) take on the Birmingham Iron (4-2) Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. at the Liberty Bowl.

What do you think about Johnny Manziel playing for the Memphis Express in the AAF? Let me know in the comments.

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Photo Credit: AAF/Memphis Express; Washington Post