How Did Johnny Manziel Ruin His Relationship With LeBron James and Drake?

When Johnny Manziel got drafted into the NFL in 2014, he had a bright future in front of him. The quarterback played for Texas A&M for two years and became a superstar after winning the Heisman Trophy as a freshman. Manziel even got the nickname “Johnny Football” because of his rising popularity. After Manziel was drafted by the Cleveland Browns, he developed a close friendship with several big-name celebrities, including Drake and LeBron James.

However, Manziel’s world came crashing down only two years after he got drafted. In 2016, Manziel was accused of domestic abuse by his ex-girlfriend Colleen Crowley. Although the charge was dropped later that year, it ruined his career. The Cleveland Browns released the quarterback in March 2016, and he never played another game in the NFL. The incident also put a dent in his friendship with LeBron and Drake.

In an interview on Pardon My Take by Barstool Sports, Manziel revealed how the domestic assault charges affected his high-profile friendships. LeBron and Manziel had a great friendship to the extent that King James informed the quarterback before he returned to Cleveland in 2015. “On my way to Cleveland, I get a call in the airport actually from LeBron saying that he’s coming back to Cleveland. It was pretty much a week or two later.” Manziel said. However, it all changed after the 2016 incident. “I haven’t talked to LeBron,” Manziel claimed LeBron cut all ties with him after the controversy. “It wasn’t hard feelings. I knew and understood that it was strictly business.” He added. Manziel also revealed that LeBron did everything he could to help him at the start of his career.

Johnny Manziel is still in contact with Drake

While LeBron James cut all ties with Manziel after the 2016 incident, the former Browns quarterback still has a decent relationship with Drake. “We still have a really good relationship,” Manziel revealed that he idolized Drake as a kid at College Station and wanted to meet the 5-time Grammy Award-winning artist. He realized that dream after going to the NFL. Although Drake and Manziel’s relationship did take a hit after the domestic abuse charges, their friendship did not completely fall apart. “There are certain things between me and him. I think we will be friends for a long, long time.”

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Manziel revealed that the incident’s aftermath made him realize who his loyal friends in the industry were. “Friends who I thought were really, really good friends turned out to only care about you when you’re at the top or when you have access to something and just use you for certain things and then when you need them or need help or need anything, those people aren’t there for you.” Although the 2016 incident ruined Manziel’s career, it taught him a valuable life lesson.

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