CONGRATULATIONS: Johnny Manziel Named to TIME 100 Most Influential People in Sports —

CONGRATULATIONS: Johnny Manziel Named to TIME 100 Most Influential People in Sports —

 

Johnny Manziel, the once electrifying quarterback whose name became synonymous with both dazzling athleticism and relentless determination, has just earned a place among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in Sports. It’s a recognition that not only celebrates his career resurgence but also marks a turning point in how athletes are redefining influence beyond the field.

 

For many fans, this honor feels like the closing of a full circle — from the fiery days at Texas A&M to the turbulent years that followed, and now, to a mature figure whose story embodies resilience, accountability, and rebirth. Manziel’s inclusion in TIME’s prestigious list is not merely about what he achieved during his playing years, but about the man he became afterward. His transformation from a polarizing athlete into a motivational force in sports media and mentorship has captivated both old fans and new followers.

 

In recent years, Manziel has quietly built an empire around sports development and player advocacy. Through his foundation, he’s been working with young athletes to teach them financial literacy, media awareness, and mental health management — areas that he himself once struggled with in his early professional years. The former Heisman Trophy winner turned his personal battles into a platform that empowers others to avoid the pitfalls that often come with early fame and fortune.

 

 

 

His influence isn’t confined to charitable work alone. Manziel has become a sought-after voice in the evolving landscape of college football, where the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) era has opened new opportunities for players. His advisory role in several university athlete programs has reshaped how schools educate players about brand partnerships and long-term planning. What makes his story even more compelling is that many of the young players he mentors were barely in grade school when he was lighting up the SEC with his highlight-reel plays.

 

Under the guidance of Texas A&M’s current head coach, Mike Elko, the Aggies have also embraced Manziel’s comeback narrative as part of their broader message about perseverance. The program frequently invites alumni to speak with the team, but Manziel’s presence carries an unmatched emotional weight. Players see in him not just a football legend but a living testament to the truth that redemption is possible — and that influence is measured not by perfection, but by impact.

 

 

 

Manziel’s recent appearances at major sporting events, his growing podcast audience, and his ongoing collaboration with youth sports initiatives have all contributed to his resurgence as a leading voice in athlete empowerment. TIME’s editors cited his ability to bridge generations and start important conversations about mental wellness, athlete image, and the human side of competitive sports as the key reasons for his inclusion on the list.

 

What stands out most about Manziel’s modern-day influence is his authenticity. Unlike the polished media personalities who often speak from safe distances, he approaches every topic with candor and self-awareness. He openly discusses how fame affected his judgment and how humility reshaped his approach to success. It’s this raw honesty that has made him relatable to fans who once viewed him as untouchable and to players who now look to him for guidance.

 

The announcement of Manziel’s recognition has sent a wave of pride through Aggieland. Social media has been buzzing with heartfelt tributes, highlight clips from his unforgettable 2012 season, and reflections from those who feel personally inspired by his evolution. In a way, this moment isn’t just about Johnny Football — it’s about every athlete who’s ever fallen hard, stood back up, and found a way to rewrite their story.

 

As TIME put it, influence in sports today extends far beyond championships and trophies. It lies in one’s ability to inspire, educate, and lead others toward a better version of themselves. Johnny Manziel’s name on that list is a reminder that even the most complicated figures in sports history can leave behind a legacy rooted in growth and purpose.

 

From the roars of Kyle Field to the pages of TIME magazine, Manziel’s journey has come full circle — not as a symbol of controversy, but as an emblem of transformation. And as he continues to redefine what influence means in the modern sports world, his story stands as proof that greatness isn’t just about touchdowns or headlines; it’s about how you rise when the world least expects it.