Johnny Manziel’s candid admission about rejecting LeBron James’ attempts to lift him out of depression sheds light on the complexities of mental health struggles even in the midst of fame and success.
“I remember, this is how bad off I was whenever I was in Cleveland, LeBron would text me every week to come over to the house and watch a game or play poker with the boys and just tried to be there.”
“I was so depressed for the first time in my life that even my biggest role model and inspiration in my life couldn’t get me out of bed to come and hang out with him.”
LeBron James revered as one of the greatest athletes in US sports history, extended his hand to Manziel during his tumultuous times, offering invitations to watch Cleveland Cavaliers games and play poker with friends in an effort to provide support and companionship. Despite LeBron’s persistent efforts, Manziel found himself immobilized by depression, unable to muster the energy to engage with his role model and inspiration.
“It’s embarrassing to have been the guy that have let down some overall really great athletes in my time and in my generation. It’s something I carry hopefully with my head high right now but at the same time, internally, I know it eats me alive because they did more for me than I had gave in return to them.”
“@RealSkipBayless, I love you bro. I honestly feel like I let him down. … This ‘Johnny Manziel will be bigger than LeBron.’ It was never ever going to be a reality.” – @JManziel2
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In reflecting on his past, Manziel expressed regret for squandering the opportunities afforded to him, including those to bond with LeBron and other influential figures like Joe Thomas. He acknowledged the depth of disappointment he carries for not reciprocating the support he received during his challenging moments.
Manziel’s journey, marked by highs and lows, serves as a reminder of the multifaceted nature of mental health struggles and the importance of reaching out for help. His openness about his battles with depression and substance abuse underscores the significance of destigmatizing discussions surrounding mental wellness within professional sports and society at large.
While Manziel’s NFL career may have faced setbacks, his willingness to confront his past and take responsibility for his actions demonstrates a path toward personal growth and healing. As he continues to navigate his journey, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience required to overcome adversity and the importance of seeking support during times of need.
Who Is Johnny Manziel?
Johnny Manziel, once touted as a football prodigy with the potential to surpass even LeBron James in Cleveland, rose to fame during his collegiate career at Texas A&M University. Known affectionately as “Johnny Football,” Manziel dazzled audiences with his dynamic playing style, earning the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 2012 as the first freshman to achieve such an honor.
However, despite his early successes on the field, Manziel’s career trajectory took a sharp downturn due to a series of off-field issues. His time in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns was marred by controversies, including battles with substance addiction, depression, and legal troubles. Despite being selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft, Manziel’s professional career failed to live up to the lofty expectations set during his college days.
After his NFL stint, Manziel briefly played in the Canadian Football League (CFL) before ultimately stepping away from the game. In recent years, he has been candid about his struggles with mental health and substance abuse, speaking openly about his battle with bipolar disorder and contemplating suicide in 2016.
While Manziel’s football career may have ended prematurely, his story serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of navigating fame and success in the world of professional sports. Despite his setbacks, Manziel continues to grapple with the consequences of his past decisions, seeking to move forward and find purpose beyond the gridiron.
As portrayed in the Netflix documentary “Untold: Johnny Football,” Manziel remains ensnared by the shadows of his past, grappling with personal demons and the weight of unfulfilled potential. His journey serves as a sobering reminder of the complexities of mental health and the importance of seeking support and redemption in the face of adversity.
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