Netflix Releases Highly Anticipated Documentary “Untold: Johnny Football” – The Rise and Fall of Johnny Manziel
Los Angeles, CA – August 8, 2023 – Netflix has officially released its highly anticipated documentary, “Untold: Johnny Football,” a deep dive into the life, career, and controversies surrounding one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in college football history—Johnny Manziel.
As part of Netflix’s critically acclaimed “Untold” series, the documentary peels back the layers of Manziel’s meteoric rise at Texas A&M, his wild off-field antics, and his dramatic fall from football stardom. With never-before-seen footage and exclusive interviews, this film offers fans an unfiltered look at the Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback who took the sports world by storm, only to see it all slip away.
A Look Inside “Untold: Johnny Football”
Directed by Ryan Duffy, the documentary provides an honest and raw portrayal of Manziel’s career, capturing the highs of his legendary performances at Texas A&M and the lows of his troubled NFL career.
The film is structured in a way that mirrors Manziel’s whirlwind life—fast, thrilling, and unpredictable. From his jaw-dropping college performances to his reckless off-field behavior, the documentary doesn’t hold back in revealing how fame, money, and personal demons shaped his rise and fall.
“Johnny Manziel’s story is one of the most captivating in modern sports history,” said Duffy. “This documentary isn’t just about football; it’s about the dangers of unchecked fame, pressure, and the consequences of living life in the fast lane.”
The Meteoric Rise of Johnny Manziel
The College Years: A Star is Born
In 2012, Manziel exploded onto the college football scene, becoming a household name as a redshirt freshman quarterback at Texas A&M. His dual-threat ability, fearless playstyle, and magnetic personality made him an instant sensation.
Breaking Records and Winning Hearts
Led Texas A&M to an 11-2 record in their first season in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Defeated No. 1 Alabama in Tuscaloosa, producing one of the most legendary upsets in college football history.
Became the first freshman in history to win the Heisman Trophy in 2012.
Set multiple SEC records for total yards, passing yards, and rushing touchdowns by a quarterback.
Nicknamed “Johnny Football,” Manziel’s fearless scrambling, clutch performances, and electrifying style made him one of the most exciting players in college football history.
The documentary captures the euphoria of his rise, including footage from:
Manziel’s record-breaking performances against Alabama and Oklahoma.
Behind-the-scenes interviews with teammates, coaches, and close friends.
Exclusive insights from Manziel himself, reflecting on the pressures of stardom.
Fame, Partying, and the Manziel Mania
As Manziel’s fame skyrocketed, so did the media frenzy surrounding his off-field lifestyle. The documentary dives into his wild party antics, showing:
Lavish Las Vegas trips with celebrities.
Alleged involvement in autograph-selling scandals.
Partying with NBA stars like LeBron James and musicians like Drake.
Social media posts that fueled speculation about his reckless behavior.
Manziel became a cultural icon, a marketing machine, and the face of college football. But as the documentary reveals, his personal struggles were only beginning.
The NFL Downfall
Cleveland Browns Gamble on Manziel
Despite concerns over his behavior, Manziel declared for the 2014 NFL Draft and was selected 22nd overall by the Cleveland Browns.
Netflix’s documentary explores his rocky transition into the NFL, including:
Unprofessional behavior in team meetings and practices.
A lack of commitment to film study and playbook preparation.
Clashes with Browns coaches and teammates.
More off-field controversies, including missed games due to partying.
Manziel’s NFL career never reached its potential. He played just two seasons, posting a 2-6 record as a starter before being released in 2016.
Mental Health Struggles and Personal Battles
One of the most powerful segments of “Untold: Johnny Football” is its focus on Manziel’s mental health struggles.
The film dives deep into:
His battle with depression and anxiety.
The pressure of being a college football celebrity at age 19.
How fame and expectations led to destructive habits.
His eventual diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
For the first time, Manziel opens up about his lowest moments, admitting that at one point, he contemplated ending his own life.
“I felt like I was supposed to be invincible,” Manziel says in the documentary. “But inside, I was crumbling. I lost my love for football, and I didn’t know who I was anymore.”
The Road to Redemption
After spiraling out of control, Manziel attempted comebacks in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and The Spring League, but his passion for football had faded.
The documentary highlights how Manziel is now focused on personal growth, stating:
He’s accepted that his football career is over.
He wants to help young athletes deal with the pressures of fame.
He has found peace in life beyond sports.
Fan Reactions and Media Response
Explosive Social Media Buzz
Following its release, “Untold: Johnny Football” has dominated social media, with fans and analysts debating the documentary’s revelations.
@CFBInsider: “Johnny Manziel’s doc is INSANE. The rise, the fall, the partying, the truth—this is must-watch TV.”
@NFLScout21: “It’s sad to see how Johnny Manziel’s career ended. He had the talent to be an all-time great.”
@ESPNHotTake: “We need to start talking about how the NCAA profited off Manziel but gave him nothing in return.”
Critics Praise the Documentary
Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 91%
IMDB Rating: 8.5/10
Critics have praised the documentary for its honest storytelling, emotional depth, and compelling narrative.
Sports Illustrated: “A brutally honest look at college football’s most fascinating figure.”
The Ringer: “Manziel’s story is tragic yet gripping. ‘Untold: Johnny Football’ is a must-watch.”
USA Today: “Raw, emotional, and unfiltered. Netflix delivers again.”
Final Thoughts: The Legacy of Johnny Manziel
“Untold: Johnny Football” is more than just a documentary—it’s a cautionary tale about fame, pressure, and self-destruction.
Manziel’s legacy will always be one of “what could have been,” but his impact on college football is undeniable. He revolutionized the quarterback position, changed Texas A&M football forever, and gave fans some of the most unforgettable moments in sports history.
While his NFL dreams never materialized, Johnny Manziel remains one of the most fascinating and polarizing figures in modern football history.
Where to Watch
“Untold: Johnny Football” is now streaming exclusively on Netflix.
Leave a Reply