Johnny Manziel has been released from inpatient rehab for substance abuse and the Cleveland Browns said he will get every chance to prove his decision to go into recovery will pay off for him as quarterback.
While Manziel is expected to be part of the Browns' squad during the team's offseason workout program on April 20, Coach Mike Pettine stressed last month that he believed Manziel's personal life has to be in order before he can ever become an effective quarterback in the league, according to Cleveland's
Plain Dealer.
"Football, it's a back seat,'' Pettine said then. "For his football life to get where it needs to be, he needs to get the personal life where it needs to be ... However long of time he needs, the football will be there when he gets out.''
Browns general manager Ray Farmer said he believes Manziel could still lead the Browns.
"I don't think shutting anybody down is the right call,'' said Farmer. "That'd be the equivalent of me telling you that I could predict the future and tell you that he's not prepared. If he is prepared and he demonstrates the things that he needs to demonstrate, then yeah he should get every opportunity to be the guy. ...Do I believe in his skillset and think that he can do the job? Sure. But I think you have to give guys an opportunity to grow and learn."
Manziel went into rehab Jan. 28 after his rookie season went into a nose dive with subpar play, injuries and rumored partying before the final game of the season.
He entered rehab to "be a better family member, friend and teammate," said family attorney Brad Beckworth in a
statement to ESPN back on Feb. 3.
Once Manziel is back on the field, he will be fighting veteran Josh McCown for the starting quarterback spot. The Plain Dealer reported that the Browns also have considered trading up in the draft to get current Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Marcus Mariota of Oregon.
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