Johnny Manziel says he has a new roommate: The reigning Super Bowl MVP.
Von Miller, a stalwart defender for the Denver Broncos, has taken Manziel in as a roommate, according to a video from TMZ. The two played together at Texas A&M before entering the NFL draft.
"I'm living out here with my guy, Von Miller," Manziel tells the TMZ camera. "Everybody knows Von Miller. Super Bowl MVP, Von Miller, my brother. I'm living with him right now. We're getting our lives together, bro."
Sounds like a great story considering how Miller got his act together after personal struggles that included a six-game suspension under the NFL's substance-abuse policy in 2013.
But according to Mike Klis of 9 News in Denver, Manziel's story just isn't true.
Talked to source close to Von Miller. Johnny Manziel is NOT living with Miller. Same city (L.A.). Not same home. #9news #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) April 10, 2016
Dancing with the Stars is housing Von Miller and all contestants. "Dancing" is not housing Johnny Football. #9news #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) April 10, 2016
This should ease Broncos concerns. Von Miller doesn't need to be living with guy (Manziel) who struggles with temptation. #9news #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) April 10, 2016
Miller has repeatedly advocated for Manziel and publicly expressed his support for his fellow Aggie star. He even went as far as saying he would sign the free-agent Manziel, if he were a Denver Broncos executive. That remains a possibility: The Broncos lack depth at quarterback, and Manziel has met with coach Gary Kubiak to discuss the possibility of joining the team in the future.
But there's nothing material at this point, and the way this story has unfolded isn't exactly favorable for Manziel.
Regardless of whether they are roommates, if Miller can help Manziel straighten out and handle his drinking problems, though, it could present a path for Manziel to re-enter the NFL.
Update: Miller found inspiration from the movie "Stepbrothers" to explain the situation on Instagram:
