In the 2013 college football season Johnny Manziel will try to do what Roger Staubach, Ty Detmer, Jason White, Matt Leinart, Tim Tebow and Sam Bradford couldn't - defend their Heisman Trophy.
Before then, however, Johnny Football must convince his critics - and perhaps even his fans and teammates - that he hasn't deteriorated into Johnny Goofball.
We all know Manziel's spectacular story. From being the 393rd recruit out of Kerrville Tivy High School to winning the Heisman at Texas A&M after leading the Aggies to an 11-2 record, an upset of eventual National Champion Alabama and a Cotton-Bowl romp over Oklahoma. His performance was stunningly entertaining, with subtle jukes and dramatic jives straight out Xbox he escaped tackles, bought time and wound up with a combined 5,115 yards and 47 touchdowns.
And then came Jan. 5.
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Since basically the day after A&M whipped the Sooners in Arlington Manziel's life off the field has been as hectic as one of his scrambles. But not nearly as productive.
From brash Tweets to breaking the law to snubbing peers, Manziel has so far shown he's not mature enough to handle success. And Wednesday morning at 9 - the circus will be carried live on ESPN - he'll get grilled about it when he faces reporters at the SEC's Media Day in Hoover, Ala.
Sure Manziel will be asked about the historic challenge of joining Ohio State running back Archie Griffin (1974-75) as the only player to win consecutive Heismans. But I betcha a nickel some questions arise from his turbulent offseason in which Johnny Football has exploited his Heisman, enjoyed life as a 20-year-old college sophomore, shirked responsibilities and weaved a compelling, disturbing tale in which the face of Aggieland is now a smug smirk.
Jan. 5 - A photo surfaces of Manziel with sparklers and a bottle of champagne at a Dallas bar.
Jan. 11 - OU defensive coordinator Mark Stoops says "If they can keep him out of jail or keep him eligible, he's gonna be pretty good. If they can keep him off Twitter, he might win three or four Heismans."
Jan. 24 - Teams up with trick-shot artist "Dude Perfect" to launch a football into a basketball goal from the top of Kyle Field.
Feb. 17 - Announces at the Davey O'Brien Award in Fort Worth that he's taking online classes to avoid crowds on the College Station campus.
Feb. 22 - His family files a lawsuit on behalf of JMAN2 Enterprises in an attempt to trademark and own "Johnny Football."
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March 14 - Pictured shirtless in Cabo during Spring Break, with a Texas Longhorn tattoo on his ribs and a margarita in his hand.
March 23 - Shoves an A&M graduate assistant who yelled at him during a scrimmage at Kyle Field.
March 26 - Announces he's temporarily leaving Twitter, calling it a "distraction."
April 7 - Throws out the first pitch before a Rangers' game in Arlington. The delivery mimics his off-season focus - high and wide.
April 12 - Ends his Twitter boycott and jumps on 105.3 The Fan for the last interview in the history of
RAGE.
May 12 - Shoots 79 at Pebble Beach while on vacation with his family.
May 23 - Story surfaces about his 2012 arrest, subsequent suspension and near-transfer from A&M. After Aggies' head coach Kevin Sumlin intervened, A&M's Dean of Student Life overturned the suspension.
June 1 - Wind-blown and giddy, he Tweets a video of him exclaiming "I always wanted to hit 100 in a boat!"
June 9 - Tweets a pic from Game 2 of the NBA Finals in Miami, where he apologizes to Spurs' fans for being a LeBron fan.
June 16 - After receiving a parking ticket on campus at A&M, he Tweets "Shit like tonight is a reason why I can't wait to leave college station...whenever it may be." He then implores critics to "walk a day in my shoes."
July 13 - Citing dehydration and illness, leaves the Manning Passing Academy a day early. He was there as a camp counselor, but questions arise when photos surface of him partying in Thibodaux, La. the night before his departure. He reportedly apologized to A&M coaches for his behavior at the camp.
July 15 - Pleaded guilty in conjunction with his arrest after a bar fight in 2012. During questioning by police, he produced three different IDs. He is ordered to pay a $2,000 fine and $232 in court costs for the Class B misdemeanor.
To be continued ...
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