Johnny Manziel, the famed 33-year-old former NFL player nicknamed “Johnny Football,” was successful in his mixed martial arts debut on Saturday night.
Manziel, a former football quarterback who achieved legendary status in college before facing a turbulent professional career, defeated Bob Menery by way of first-round ground and pound at Brandrisk Promotions 14 on May 23.
JOHNNY MANZIEL JUST FINISHED BOB MENERY IN ROUND 1 😭 #BrandRisk14 pic.twitter.com/cq9DtK8C9T
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 24, 2026
He is best known for being the first-ever freshman to win the Heisman Trophy in 2012. Manziel was selected 22nd overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 2014 NFL Draft.
His highly anticipated professional career was short-lived and plagued by on-field struggles and off-field controversies, primarily related to a hard-partying lifestyle and a lack of preparation. He played just two seasons for the Browns before being released in early 2016.