After a barnstorming tour of duty away from the field, and a lifestyle that at times rivalled Caligula, Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel is trying to put himself on the right road. A stint in rehab and some solemn promises have been forthcoming, but as his head coach Mike Pettine said, actions speak louder than words.
To right his brief, yet already failing, NFL career, Manziel has been taking private practices with former head coach and current ESPN analyst Jon Gruden, according to Charlie Campbell of Walter Football.
"Gruden took a liking to Manziel before the 2014 NFL Draft and was effusive in his praise of Manziel," Campbell said. "Thus, Gruden is also motivated to help Manziel to get straightened out."
Last year, Gruden also hosted pro quarterback Josh Freeman to do some work in the film room and improve his throwing fundamentals.
Gruden spent 20 years in the coaching ranks, including two stints with the Raiders, culminating in a Super Bowl championship with the Buccaneers in 2005. Today, he's known as the color commentator on ESPN's "Monday Night Football" broadcasts and for hosting "Gruden's Quarterback Camp" for the network.
Manziel is looking at a likely No. 2 position with Cleveland this season after the team signed veteran Josh McCown following Manziel's disastrous rookie campaign. He passed for 80 yards and two interceptions against the Bengals in a shutout defeat, and completed three passes against the Panthers before leaving with a hamstring injury as the Browns' otherwise promising season collapsed down the stretch.
Cleveland opens their preseason when they host the Redskins on Aug. 13.
@MrJamesParks
No comments:
Post a Comment