Nike terminated Johnny Manziel deal some time after 2015 season
The hits keep coming for Johnny Manziel, as the 23-year-old free-agent quarterback has lost his biggest marketing deal.
Nike spokesman Brian Strong told ESPN that Manziel, who was signed by the shoe and apparel giant in March 2014 to a multiyear deal, is no longer an endorser of the brand.
Sources said Nike terminated the deal some time after the NFL season ended.
The former Cleveland Browns quarterback had already been dumped by his original contract agent, Erik Burkhardt, and his marketing agent, Maverick Carter. His second contract agent, Drew Rosenhaus, left him on Tuesday, a source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Now Manziel has lost his biggest marketing deal.
In addition, Manziel's deal with Panini America has expired, a source said, though the sports collectibles company is still selling Manziel products on its site. Panini had signed Manziel in his rookie year to an exclusive autograph deal but had recently slashed prices on Manziel-signed Browns items.
Nissan and MusclePharm, brands that used the QB, are no longer promoting an association. Other deals Manziel signed his rookie year, including with Snickers and McDonald's, were one-off commercial spots that concluded by the time Manziel went to rehab in early 2015.
After signing Manziel, Nike didn't wait to cash in on the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner. Nike dressed him in a special outfit for his Pro Day and sold the gear on its website. Less than a month after he was drafted as the 22nd pick overall by the Browns in 2014, Nike began selling "Money Manziel" shirts for $30 each. Nike also reached agreement with Manziel to exclusively use "Johnny Football," his college nickname that he had filed to trademark in 2013. Manziel never received the formal registration to the mark.
Up until the start of the 2015 season, Nike had sold more Browns Manziel jerseys than those of any other player.
Manziel started in only eight games over two seasons for the Browns. In 15 games played, he threw as many interceptions as touchdown passes (7). After his partying ways and troubles with the law, Manziel was waived March 11.
This is the sixth contract Nike has terminated in the past three-and-a-half years. Those whose deals were ended prematurely include Lance Armstrong, Ray Rice, Adrian Peterson, Oscar Pistorius and Manny Pacquiao.
Manziel is currently the subject of a grand jury investigation in Dallas into whether he assaulted his former girlfriend. The NFL is investigating whether Manziel violated its personal conduct policy in that incident. Dallas prosecutors will present the Manziel case to a grand jury on Thursday, and an indictment could be announced as early as Monday.
What's trending in the NFL: Browns shopping No. 2 pick; life after Calvin Johnson
Taking a spin around the NFL with the latest news and notes from Tuesday:
Today's top pick
Adam Schefter reports that the Cleveland Browns are engaged in trade talks for the No. 2 selection in the NFL draft.
Pat McManamon, meanwhile, makes a compelling case that the Browns should just stay put and take whichever quarterback is still on the board -- either Carson Wentz or Jared Goff.
If they feel one of those guys is a franchise quarterback, McManamon is absolutely right. But let's say for a second that they're not high on either one. Which team makes sense as a possible trade-up partner?
The Philadelphia Eagles. It feels like they've been linked to pretty much every first-round prospect, but Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott has created the most buzz. From where I sit, it's more likely that they trade up for a quarterback than sit at No. 8 and pick Elliott.
The most success the organization has experienced under owner Jeffrey Lurie came when Andy Reid teamed up with Donovan McNabb. Lurie and Howie Roseman, the Eagles' executive vice president of football operations, have obsessed for years about the importance of finding a franchise quarterback. History shows that the best way to find one is when you have a high pick in the first round.
And let's not forget this is a franchise that did pretty well with Brian Westbrook and LeSean McCoy -- two backs taken outside of the top 50.
Sam Bradford is six years and 63 games into his career. Counting on him to be the savior going forward would be foolish. Maybe he'll finally put it all together, but more likely he's there to provide competency in the short term. The Eagles paid him big money this offseason to be able to get out of the deal after one or two years.
Chase Daniel, meanwhile, got high-end backup money because he might be counted on to start at some point.
This is still an organization that's in search of a franchise quarterback. And if the Eagles believe Wentz or Goff can be the guy, they will be willing to make an aggressive move.
Roseman's greatest strength has been understanding value and evaluating the market. Determining fair compensation for the No. 2 pick won't be easy for any team. But if the Browns are looking to move back, the Eagles are the team to watch.
No comments:
Post a Comment