Slowly but surely, Johnny Manziel seems like he might be growing up.
First, there was the news that the 22-year-old entered rehab after his tumultuous rookie season. Then Manziel moved into a new home in the Cleveland suburbs surrounded by "old people."
And now Manziel is indicating that he'll change his image on the field.
Manziel this week told reporters that he'll ditch his trademark celebration, the money sign, after making a big play.
"The money sign will not be back. I will not be making it," Manziel said at Browns minicamp. "Last year is last year, it was what it was and it was not very good. So for me, I'm trying to close that chapter and just build on what I’ve done so far this year and just move forward, and try to close that chapter in my life. Not one that I’m very proud of, not one that I want to look back on very much and dwell on, that’s for sure."
Manziel famously threw up the money sign when he was selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft. He also performed the gesture after his only touchdown of the 2014 season, a 10-yard scramble against the Buffalo Bills.
R.I.P "Money Manziel" pic.twitter.com/VmomTIJfhT
— Mark Derrick (@THEmarkderrick) June 17, 2015
But the celebration has, for the most part, backfired, and opposing defenders used the celebration to mock Manziel. Both the Cincinnati Bengals and the Washington Redskins taunted Manziel with the money sign.
A Heisman winner and record-setting quarterback at Texas A&M, Manziel struggled to see the field in his first NFL season. Playing behind Brian Hoyer, Manziel only attempted 35 passes in five games. His season ended Dec. 21 after he injured his hamstring against the Carolina Panthers.
Duringthe offseason Manziel has reportedly gotten into altercations with fans at a nightclub and on a golf course. His erratic behavior earned him the nickname "Johnny Idiot Face" from WWE heavyweight champion Seth Rollins.
