Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel may have seemed invincible last season, avoiding tacklers and juking his way to the Heisman Trophy, but the rising sophomore knows the fate of his career could change with one misstep or awkward tackle.
So to prepare for the worst, Manziel says he and his family are looking into purchasing an insurance policy that would cover him should he suffer a career ending injury. In light of the injuries to several top college athletes, like Kentucky basketball player Nerlens Noel and South Carolina running back Marcus Lattimore, it's undoubtedly a smart move for Manziel.
"It's just a precaution," Manziel told reporters this week. "I think there's a lot of players who have done it in the past and you never know what could happen. Football is a dangerous sport, so you kind of have to make sure that you take a precaution in that regard."
Manziel could most likely take advantage of the NCAA's "Exceptional Student-Athlete Disability Insurance Program." The idea of the program is to allow players with a strong chance of going pro a policy of up to $5 million to protect against career-threatening injuries or illnesses. Manziel could also purchase insurance through a private firm, like the one owned by ex-Maryland lineman Rich "Big Daddy" Salgado.
South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, who many analysts say is the best player in college football, is reportedly also looking into an insurance policy.
Manziel said that even though he is interested in taking out an insurance policy, that does not mean he's made up his mind to enter the NFL after the 2013 season.
"I'm not leaning any way," Manziel said. "Whenever that decision comes, [I'll] have to sit there and evaluate it just like you do anything else in your life."
