Johnny Manziel. The name alone still sparks a reaction, doesn’t it? For some, it’s a memory of a 19-year-old kid in a Texas A&M jersey making the entire Alabama defense look like they were playing in slow motion. For others, it’s the image of a guy in a blonde wig in a Las Vegas club or the infamous "money sign" that became his brand and his burden.
But that was a lifetime ago. A decade has passed since he was the 22nd overall pick for the Cleveland Browns. The "Johnny Football" era is officially in the rearview mirror, and honestly, the guy you see today in 2026 is someone very different from the one who flamed out of the NFL after just two seasons.
Where is Johnny Manziel now?
If you’re looking for him on a football field, you won't find him. At least, not with a helmet on. Manziel has officially closed the book on his playing career. After the CFL, the AAF, and a stint in Fan Controlled Football where he admits he was mostly playing "for fun," the competitive fire to be a pro quarterback has burned out.
"I don't have the drive to be the best football player anymore," he admitted recently. And you know what? He sounds okay with that.
Instead of chasing a comeback that was never going to happen, Manziel has pivoted to the media world. He’s basically become a fixture in the podcasting and sports betting space. In late 2024, he launched his own podcast called Glory Daze, produced by Almost Friday Media. It’s not just a "look at me" show; he’s actually sitting down with other athletes who reached the mountaintop and dealt with the fallout.
It’s meta, it’s self-reflective, and it’s surprisingly grounded.
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The Nashville Move and the Diego Pavia Connection
Manziel recently moved to Nashville. Why? Because Scottsdale—the place he once called the "mecca of golf"—got a little too quiet, perhaps. But Nashville has put him right in the middle of the SEC’s new cultural hub.
Living in Nashville has allowed him to take on a role nobody expected: mentor. He’s become particularly close with Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia. People have been calling Pavia "Johnny 2.0" for his scrappy playstyle and undersized frame. Manziel, rather than shying away from the comparison, has embraced it. He’s been vocal about helping Pavia navigate the pressures of being a polarizing college star—pressures Johnny himself handled poorly.
He’s basically trying to be the person he didn't have in 2012.
Living the "Money Bar" Life
You can’t talk about where Johnny is without mentioning College Station. He’s back in the good graces of Texas A&M. If you find yourself on Northgate, the famous bar district near campus, you’ll see Johnny Manziel’s Money Bar.
It opened in late 2023 and has become exactly what you’d expect: a high-energy, high-tech nightclub that leans heavily into his "Money Manziel" persona. He’s an owner, and while he’s not behind the bar pouring shots, he shows up for big home games. It’s a weird full-circle moment. The school that once had to distance itself from his "shenanigans" now has his name on a marquee just blocks from the stadium.
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Health, Wealth, and the Netflix Fallout
The 2023 Netflix documentary Untold: Johnny Football was a turning point. It was the first time we heard the truly dark details—the $5 million bender, the bipolar disorder diagnosis, and the terrifying admission of a suicide attempt after he was cut by the Browns.
Today, his focus is almost entirely on his mental health. He’s been open about the fact that if he doesn't make his mental well-being a priority, everything else falls apart. He’s not claiming to be "cured" or perfect. He’s just managed to survive the "Johnny Football" character.
Interestingly, he’s also found a niche in the betting world. Just recently, in early 2026, he made headlines for a partnership with the betting platform Kalshi. There was a whole drama about him missing a College GameDay appearance because of a norovirus (which led to some public ribbing from the ESPN crew). Manziel responded by posting a market on Kalshi where fans could literally trade on the odds of him returning to the show. It was a classic "Money Manziel" move—turning a PR hiccup into a betting opportunity.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that Johnny is broke or still "partying" his life away. While he definitely still enjoys a good time—he was recently spotted at the Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul fight in Miami—he’s far from the trainwreck he was in 2016.
He’s effectively monetized his past. Between the bar, the podcast, the betting sponsorships, and his appearances on shows like Nightcap with Shannon Sharpe and Chad Ochocinco, he’s doing just fine financially.
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He’s living a life that’s part "retired legend" and part "cautionary tale." He plays a lot of golf. He spends time with his family. He’s mended fences with his parents, which was a huge part of the Netflix doc’s emotional core.
Why He Still Matters in 2026
Manziel is the bridge between the old NCAA and the new NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) era. He often talks about how different his life would have been if he could have made $10 million legally in College Station instead of taking cash for autographs in backrooms.
"I would have stayed at A&M no matter what," he told Greg McElroy. He thinks the structure of NIL would have kept him grounded. Maybe. Or maybe the money would have just accelerated the crash. We’ll never know.
But his presence is a constant reminder to current players like Diego Pavia or Marcel Reed about how quickly the lights can go out.
What’s Next for Johnny?
If you're following the trajectory, Manziel is leaning further into sports media.
- More Podcast Growth: Expect Glory Daze to become a bigger platform as he gets more comfortable in the host chair.
- Texas A&M Ambassador: He’s "bullish" on the Aggies in 2026. Expect him to be a fixture at Kyle Field, especially with the 12-team playoff format making every game a massive event.
- The Betting Space: He’s clearly found a home with Action Network and Kalshi. He understands the "degenerate" sports culture better than almost anyone.
If you want to keep up with him, the best place isn't the sports page—it's Instagram or his podcast feed. He’s no longer a quarterback; he’s a brand. And for the first time in a long time, it seems like Johnny Manziel is actually the one in control of it.
Actionable Insights:
If you're a fan or a critic, the best way to see the "new" Johnny is to listen to the Glory Daze podcast. It moves past the headlines and gives you a look at a 33-year-old man who is finally okay with the fact that his greatest achievements happened when he was 19. If you're heading to College Station, the Money Bar is the spot, but don't expect a cheap tab—it’s built for the "Money" lifestyle.