Polarizing ex-NFL star Johnny Manziel announces shock career move and will follow in footsteps of three-time Pro Bowler

It might be time for Johnny Football to find a new nickname.

Things never quite worked out on the field for Manziel, the 2012 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback who had dreams of ‘wrecking’ the NFL.

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He had a forgettable spell with the Cleveland Browns, where he started just eight games across two seasons, before dropping out of the league.

Manziel, now 33, later participated in the Canadian Football League, the Alliance of American Football and the startup league Fan Controlled Football.

But in more recent years, it appears he’s put football behind him, and even ‘no showed’ an appearance on College GameDay last season.

Now, he’s hoping to make a name for himself in the boxing world instead.

Johnny Manziel makes drastic career change

The Texas A&M legend, who set multiple NCAA and SEC records as a freshman, will step into the ring on May 23 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Manziel is set to face social media influencer Bob Menery in a bout that will be promoted by Kick streamer Adin Ross’ Brand Risk Promotions, which is known for pitting celebrities against content creators in boxing matches.

According to ESPN, the two had been expected to face-off in Miami, but the location of the fight has shifted to Vegas as UFC CEO Dana White expressed significant interest in it.

He has a rocky relationship with Menery, and previously claimed he’d bet $10,000 that the influencer would back out of the bout.

Back in April, White said: “Menery hits me up and says, ‘Who are you betting on?’ I said, ‘I’m betting on you don’t even show up, that’s my bet.’

“Menery never does anything he says he’s going to do.”

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Now, the fight has officially been announced, and UFC Apex will host it.

Manziel, who threw seven touchdowns and seven interceptions in the NFL, won’t be the first former player to step in the ring in an event promoted by Brand Risk Promotions.

Retired running back Le’Veon Bell competed against Supah Hot Fire in a three round exhibition bout at BRANDRISK 011 in November 2025.

The three-time Pro Bowler won by unanimous decision in the main event, which took place in Nashville, Tennessee.

Johnny Manziel’s boxing debut could draw heat from Browns fans

With a 2-6 starting record for the Browns, it would be fair to say Manziel got pretty used to losing in Cleveland.

And now his next career move has been announced, some fans might tune in with the hope of watching him take another L.

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Especially if they remember what he said about the Browns last August.

“I think I’m going to be p***ed at them and hate them forever,” Manziel told Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson on the Nightcap podcast.

“No love for the Browns. I’m rooting for 0-16 seasons every season.”

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