Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel has entered a rehabilitation treatment program, the NFL team announced on Monday following a season where the high-profile rookie's off-field partying lifestyle hindered his on-field development.
Manziel, a first-round NFL Draft pick last year known as "Johnny Football" since his college star days at Texas A&M, began his rehab work last Wednesday, the Browns said.
"We respect Johnny's initiative in this decision and will fully support him throughout this process," Browns general manager Ray Farmer said.
"Our players' health and well-being will always be of the utmost importance to the Cleveland Browns.
"We continually strive to create a supportive environment and provide the appropriate resources, with our foremost focus being on the individual and not just the football player.
"Johnny's privacy will be respected by us during this very important period and we hope that others will do the same."
Manziel, selected 22nd in the 2014 draft, began the season as a backup to journeyman Brian Hoyer.
After two late-season starts for the Browns, Manziel was fined for missing treatment on a sore hamstring and being late, purportedly for oversleeping the day before the final game, although ESPN said team sources found Manziel appeared to have partied heavily the night before.
Manziel was photographed in the days after the season partying in Miami, Houston and Aspen, Colorado.
"Johnny knows there are areas he needs to improve on to help him be a better family member, friend and teammate, so he decided to take this step in his life during the offseason," said Brad Beckworth, a Manziel family friend and adviser.
Share
