Heisman winners Johnny Manziel, Robert Griffin III face uncertain NFL futures

Johnny Manziel CUT From Cleveland Browns

Johnny Manziel and Robert Griffin III

Johnny Manziel and Robert Griffin III

Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III throws a pass while warming up during Texans training camp with the Washington Redskins at the Bon Secours Training Center on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015, in Richmond, Va. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III throws a pass while warming up during Texans training camp with the Washington Redskins at the Bon Secours Training Center on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015, in ... more Photo: Brett Coomer, Staff Robert Griffin III, WashingtonOnce a franchise savior and 2012 Rookie of the Year, he was buried by coach Jay Gruden and was only active for one game this season. The former Heisman Trophy winner from Baylor has much to prove and figures to be motivated. But whether he can regain his rookie form and avoid injuries is another thing. Still, it could be a low-risk, high-reward move. less Robert Griffin III, WashingtonOnce a franchise savior and 2012 Rookie of the Year, he was buried by coach Jay Gruden and was only active for one game this season. The former Heisman Trophy winner from ... more Photo: Karen Warren, Houston Chronicle LOSER: Kirk CousinsThe Washington quarterback certainly didnt do anything to quiet the calls for the return of Robert Griffin III or Colt McCoy. Cousins was 21 for 31 for 196 yards and a touchdown, but he also threw two interceptions. That runs his updated tally of interceptions to 17 in 10 starts. less LOSER: Kirk CousinsThe Washington quarterback certainly didnt do anything to quiet the calls for the return of Robert Griffin III or Colt McCoy. Cousins was 21 for 31 for 196 yards and a touchdown, but ... more Photo: Patrick Semansky, Associated Press 27. Robert Griffin III, Redskins Perhaps the former Baylor star was too good too soon. Thanks to injuries and ineffectiveness, he"s hardly flashed anything resembling his rookie form the past two years, and his relationship with coach Jay Gruden has been rocky to say the least. less 27. Robert Griffin III, Redskins Perhaps the former Baylor star was too good too soon. Thanks to injuries and ineffectiveness, he"s hardly flashed anything resembling his rookie form the past two years, and his ... more Photo: Alex Brandon, Associated Press

Quarterback Robert Griffin III is examined after fumbling in Thursday night"s game against the Lions. He suffered a concussion and hurt his right shoulder.

Quarterback Robert Griffin III is examined after fumbling in Thursday night"s game against the Lions. He suffered a concussion and hurt his right shoulder.

Photo: Matt Hazlett, Stringer Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) stands with his niece Jania Griffin following practice during Washington Redskins training camp with the Houston Texans at the Bon Secours Training Center on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015, in Richmond, Va. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle ) less Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) stands with his niece Jania Griffin following practice during Washington Redskins training camp with the Houston Texans at the Bon Secours Training Center ... more Photo: Brett Coomer, Houston Chronicle

El quarterback de Cleveland, Johnny Manziel, pasa en un partido contra Arizona el domingo, 1 de noviembre de 2015, en Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)

El quarterback de Cleveland, Johnny Manziel, pasa en un partido contra Arizona el domingo, 1 de noviembre de 2015, en Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)

Johnny Manziel was in danger of having the Browns give up on him after two seasons even before his latest off-field incident came to light.

Johnny Manziel was in danger of having the Browns give up on him after two seasons even before his latest off-field incident came to light.

Photo: David Richard, FRE

Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel walks into the locker room after an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)

Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel walks into the locker room after an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2015, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)

Photo: David Richard, FRE Johnny Manziel, Cleveland Given Manziel"s litany of off-field issues, it seems highly unlikely the next Browns coach and/or GM will want to tie his fortunes to the troubled former Texas A&M star. And given that his trade value figures to be highly low, he could be had for peanuts. But it"s unlikely the Texans will want to take a chance on another unreliable QB after the saga of Ryan Mallett and his alarm clock. less Johnny Manziel, ClevelandGiven Manziel"s litany of off-field issues, it seems highly unlikely the next Browns coach and/or GM will want to tie his fortunes to the troubled former Texas A&M star. And given ... more Photo: Smiley N. Pool, Houston Chronicle HOUSTON, TX- SEPTEMBER 07: Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin #10 III looks up at the scoreboard while playing against the Houston Texans on September 7, 2014 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images) less HOUSTON, TX- SEPTEMBER 07: Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin #10 III looks up at the scoreboard while playing against the Houston Texans on September 7, 2014 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. ... more Photo: Thomas B. Shea, Stringer

Heisman winners Johnny Manziel, Robert Griffin III face uncertain NFL futures

They were once Texas legends. They were celebrated Heisman Trophy winners who mesmerized with their strong arms and lightning-quick legs.

Now, Johnny Manziel and Robert Griffin III have suffered mighty falls in the NFL after their respective star turns at Texas A&M and Baylor. They"ve gone from being coveted celebrity athletes to joining the ranks of the unemployed.

Once celebrated to no longer being tolerated, Manziel was officially cut by the Cleveland Browns on Friday.

Manziel"s future employment prospects will be a thorny field for him to navigate. NFL teams understandably will be wary about signing him and giving him a chance to resurrect his career.

"I"d like to thank the Browns for the opportunity they gave me. Nearly two years ago, we all hoped that we were building what could be a championship team for Cleveland," Manziel said in a statement. "I will always remember the support I received from the organization, my teammates and especially the fans."

The future for Griffin is comparatively much brighter than Manziel"s. He visited with the New York Jets on Friday.

Manziel is a small, mobile, dual-threat quarterback who has flashed potential on the field. Off the field, Manziel is a disaster.

He has multiple known substance-abuse issues that prompted him to spend two months in an inpatient treatment facility last year. He remains under investigation for an alleged domestic violence incident in Dallas involving his former girlfriend Colleen Crowley, a Houston native and Texas Christian student. Manziel allegedly ruptured her left eardrum, the second time he has been alleged to have hit Crowley. The case is being presented to a grand jury for potential charges.

Meanwhile, the NFL is investigating Manziel under its personal-conduct policy. So, a suspension could be in the offing.

Manziel"s woes pile up

Manziel"s sobriety and mental health are in serious question. He threatened to kill Crowley and himself, according to her affidavit to law enforcement authorities. And his father, Paul, has expressed frustration that Manziel refuses to go back to a rehab facility.

Manziel"s rocky two-year tenure with the Browns only lasted this long because the Browns didn"t want to cut him earlier due to salary-cap implications.

Manziel, who signed a four-year, $8.254 million rookie contract in 2014 after being drafted with the 22nd pick of the first round, is unlikely to be claimed off waivers.

As much as Manziel has embarrassed the Browns off the field, including chugging champagne atop a swan float at an Austin nightclub and skipping or being late for team activities, his on-field performance hasn"t been sterling. He has gone 2-6 as a starter in two NFL seasons, passing for 1,675 yards, seven touchdowns and seven interceptions for a pedestrian 74.4 passer rating.

His NFL future is uncertain as most teams will be hesitant to bring this kind of baggage into their locker room. Once known as Johnny Football in College Station, Manziel has been Johnny Drama in the NFL.

Griffin was cut by Washington after a rough couple of seasons since being named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Griffin clashed with Mike Shanahan and Kyle Shanahan about his role in the offense. He spent this past year backing up Kirk Cousins.

As a rookie, Griffin passed for 3,200 yards, 20 touchdowns and five interceptions. For his career, Griffin has passed for 8,087 yards, 40 touchdowns and 23 interceptions for a 90.6 passer rating.

However, Griffin is widely viewed as damaged goods in NFL circles. Without his trademark mobility, Griffin isn"t enough of a pocket passer to lead a franchise. He also has drawn criticism for his ego and diva tendencies.

What"s known about Griffin, who appears sincerely humbled by his decline in status, is that he seems ready for a fresh start and would embrace another chance in a different NFL city.

Backup role?

At some point, Griffin is sure to resurface as long as he"s healthy and ready to accept being a backup.

Whether Manziel plays in the NFL again, though, is very much in doubt because of his pattern of misconduct.

Even while being investigated by Dallas police, Manziel continues his hard-partying ways with plenty of evidence on social media from Miami to Las Vegas that he hasn"t changed. The logical conclusion for any rational NFL franchise to reach is that Manziel isn"t a safe bet to invest in for a second act of a mercurial career.

Source: http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/texans/article/Heisman-winners-Johnny-Manziel-Robert-Griffin-6884420.php