Johnny Manziel Net Worth: From Heisman Glory to Financial Reality

The first freshman ever to win a Heisman Trophy. A first-round NFL draft pick. A celebrity who partied with Drake and LeBron James. Johnny Manziel had everything a young athlete could dream of. Yet today, his story serves as one of football’s most cautionary tales about fame, fortune, and what happens when both slip away.

Johnny Manziel net worth in 2026 stands at approximately $1 million, a figure that shocks many who remember his glory days. This article breaks down how the former Texas A&M star made his money, where it went, and what he’s doing now.

What You’ll Learn:

• Manziel’s current net worth and how it compares to his career earnings
• His NFL salary and endorsement deals that once topped $7 million annually
• The spending habits that depleted his fortune
• His post-football life and recent ventures

How Much Is Johnny Manziel Worth Today?

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Johnny Manziel net worth is estimated at $1 million as of 2026. This number represents a dramatic decline from what could have been a nine-figure fortune had his career followed the trajectory many predicted.

For context, quarterbacks drafted in similar positions often accumulate wealth exceeding $50 million over their careers. Manziel earned less than $8 million during his entire NFL tenure.

Featured Snippet: Johnny Manziel Net Worth

Johnny Manziel net worth in 2026 is $1 million. The former Cleveland Browns quarterback earned $7.7 million in NFL salary but faced financial struggles after his career ended in 2016. His wealth declined due to spending issues and loss of endorsement deals.

The College Phenom Who Made History

Before discussing dollars, we need to understand who Johnny Manziel was. Born December 6, 1992, in Tyler, Texas, Manziel transformed from a high school standout into college football’s most electric player.

During the 2012 season, Manziel threw for 3,419 yards and 24 touchdowns while rushing for 1,181 yards and 19 scores. His performance against top-ranked Alabama became instant legend. He won the Heisman Trophy, making him the first-ever freshman to receive the award.

The Oil Money Myth

For years, rumors circulated about Manziel’s family oil fortune. In a 2023 Netflix documentary, Manziel revealed this was largely exaggerated. His great-grandfather Bobby Joe discovered oil in Texas in 1930, but that wealth had mostly disappeared by the time Johnny was born.

Manziel admitted he earned $33,000 from signing autographs and memorabilia during college, which violated NCAA rules. He used the oil fortune story as cover for this income. Texas A&M raked in $37 million in media exposure thanks to Manziel, though he couldn’t legally profit from his stardom due to pre-NIL policy restrictions.

NFL Career Earnings Breakdown

The Cleveland Browns selected Manziel with the 22nd overall pick in 2014. His rookie contract was worth $8.3 million over four years, including a $4.3 million signing bonus.

NFL Salary by Year

Includes signing bonus and endorsements

Between salary, signing bonus, and endorsements, Johnny Manziel earned $7 million during his rookie year. But his on-field performance never matched the paycheck. During that rookie year, he threw for just 175 passing yards with zero passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown.

On March 11, 2016, the Cleveland Browns released Manziel after paying him $7,707,913 in total salary. His entire NFL career lasted just two seasons and 14 games.

The Endorsement Bonanza That Disappeared

Before his NFL struggles became public, major brands lined up to partner with Johnny Football. His endorsement portfolio once included:

• Nike (multi-year, multi-million dollar deal)
• McDonald’s
• Nissan
• Panini America
• Snickers
• MusclePharm

These deals added roughly $3 million to his annual income at their peak. He earned approximately $10 million from endorsements before companies began dropping him.

By April 2016, everything changed. Nike terminated his contract. His agents dropped him. The endorsement money dried up as off-field controversies mounted.

Where Did The Money Go?

In the 2023 Netflix documentary, Johnny claimed to have gone on a $5 million bender during and immediately after his NFL years. This admission provides insight into spending that depleted most of his earnings.

The lifestyle included:

• Excessive partying in Las Vegas and Los Angeles
• Nightclub appearances and bottle service
• Travel expenses for his entourage
• Legal fees from multiple incidents
• Substance abuse issues

Manziel has been open about his struggles with alcohol and drugs during this period. He entered a rehab facility for 10 weeks in 2015. These personal battles came with financial costs beyond the direct spending.

Post-NFL Ventures

After the NFL, Manziel attempted several comebacks:

Canadian Football League (2018): He signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats after insisting on $500,000 before playing, then was traded to the Montreal Alouettes. The CFL eventually banned him for violating contractual agreements.

Alliance of American Football (2019): Joined the Memphis Express before the league folded mid-season.

Fan Controlled Football (2021-2022): Manziel’s FCF salary was estimated between $2,400 to $4,500 per six-week season. This represented a massive pay cut from his NFL days.

Current Income Sources and Activities

Johnny Manziel has transitioned away from playing professional football. His current activities include:

Media and Entertainment

In fall 2024, Manziel launched a weekly sports podcast with Almost Friday Media. He also joined Action Network as a guest contributor for college football coverage, providing weekly picks during the season.

He likely received a high six-figure or low seven-figure fee for appearing in the Netflix documentary “Untold: Johnny Football,” released in August 2023.

Business Ventures

Manziel opened a sports bar called Johnny Manziel’s Money Bar in College Station, Texas in fall 2023. The venue capitalizes on his college football legacy in the heart of Texas A&M territory.

He also has a partnership with Cactus Hack, a golf apparel brand, though financial details haven’t been disclosed.

Lifestyle Changes

Manziel now spends much of his time playing golf and focusing on mental health. He’s been dating model Josie Canseco as of 2024 and appears at college football games as a fan and analyst.

Comparing Johnny Manziel Net Worth to Other QBs

To understand how dramatically different Manziel’s financial story became, consider these comparisons:

• Blake Bortles (2014 draft, 3rd pick): Net worth ~$20 million
• Teddy Bridgewater (2014 draft, 32nd pick): Net worth ~$15 million
• Derek Carr (2014 draft, 36th pick): Net worth ~$50 million

Manziel was selected ahead of Bridgewater and Carr. Both quarterbacks who went later earned significantly more money through longer, more stable careers.

The Real Estate Holdings

Manziel owns properties in Texas, Chicago, and California. However, specific values remain private. In October 2015, a fire destroyed a $400,000 lake house owned by his grandfather, though this property wasn’t directly tied to Johnny’s personal wealth.

His real estate portfolio appears modest compared to other first-round draft picks, likely reflecting his shorter earning window and spending habits.

Lessons From Johnny Manziel’s Financial Journey

Manziel’s story offers several takeaways for athletes and young earners:

1. Peak earning years are short in professional sports. The average NFL career lasts just 3.3 years. Manziel lasted two.

2. Off-field behavior directly impacts earning potential. His endorsement losses exceeded his remaining salary potential.

3. Mental health affects financial health. Manziel has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and discusses how untreated mental health issues fueled destructive spending.

4. Preparation matters as much as talent. Multiple teammates reported Manziel showed up unprepared or hungover to practices and games.

What Experts Say About Athlete Finances

Financial advisors who work with professional athletes emphasize that sudden wealth requires immediate planning. Athletes earning millions in their 20s need strategies for 50-year retirements.

The average NFL player earns $3.2 million during their career. Without proper management, 78% face financial difficulties within two years of retirement. Manziel’s experience aligns with these troubling statistics.

Johnny Manziel Net Worth vs. Potential Earnings

Manziel’s potential career earnings were once estimated at over $100 million, combining salary and endorsements, had he maintained even average NFL performance. Instead, he ended with approximately $18 million before taxes from his $7.7 million NFL salary and $10 million in endorsements.

After taxes, agent fees (typically 3%), and his self-described spending, that $18 million gross became today’s $1 million net worth. The math tells a sobering story.

Recent Updates and Future Prospects

Manziel remains focused on mental health, stating he never wants to return to the dark place he was in after Cleveland. He’s been open about his bipolar disorder diagnosis and advocates for mental health awareness.

At 32 years old, Manziel has decades ahead to rebuild financially. His media presence and business ventures provide income, though nothing approaching his NFL peak. He’s prioritizing stability over chasing another football comeback.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much did Johnny Manziel make in the NFL? Manziel earned $7,707,913 in total NFL salary during his two seasons with Cleveland, plus approximately $3 million in endorsements during that period.

What is Johnny Manziel doing now for money? He hosts a weekly sports podcast, works as a college football analyst for Action Network, and owns a sports bar in Texas. He also earns from appearances and endorsements.

Did Johnny Manziel come from oil money? No. While his great-grandfather struck oil in 1930, Manziel admitted the oil fortune was largely exaggerated and mostly gone by his birth.

How much is Johnny Manziel worth compared to when he played? His net worth has declined from a peak estimated at $5-7 million during his NFL days to $1 million currently.

Is Johnny Manziel still playing football? No. His last organized football was with Fan Controlled Football in 2022, though he’s been offered opportunities with arena leagues.

The Bottom Line on Johnny Manziel Net Worth

Johnny Manziel net worth of $1 million represents one of sports’ most dramatic financial declines. From Heisman winner to first-round pick to near-bankruptcy, his journey illuminates the fragility of athletic fortune.

Yet money tells only part of the story. Manziel’s greatest losses weren’t financial but personal—relationships strained, mental health crises, and a football career that ended before his 24th birthday. His openness about these struggles has helped others facing similar challenges.

Today, Manziel appears at peace with his reduced financial circumstances. He’s chosen mental health and stability over chasing diminished football glory. Whether his net worth grows or remains stable, he’s already gained something more valuable: self-awareness and the chance to write a different ending to his story.

The name Johnny Football once promised unlimited potential. Now it serves as a reminder that talent without discipline, and wealth without wisdom, can disappear faster than a quarterback scramble.