Johnny Manziel Tries to Defuse Colin Kaepernick Comparisons and Uproar with Tweet Storm

AP Manziel
Warner Todd Huston

Former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel noted in a March 24 tweet storm, that he is tired of being compared to Colin Kaepernick. The former Heisman winner also said that he thinks Kaepernick deserves credit for more important issues than just football.

Manziel, who has been struggling to make an NFL comeback after years of substance abuse, domestic troubles, and general attitude adjusting. Took to Twitter to warn sports reporters and fans alike to stop comparing his comeback hopes to those of former San Francisco quarterback and NFL national anthem protest inventor, Colin Kaepernick.

It appears that Manziel’s desire to set the record straight came after a tweet flogging an article about his desires to get an NFL do-over was posted by Sports Illustrated. In reply to the SI tweet, many respondents related their feelings that it was unfair that Manziel should be getting another chance while Kaepernick remained on the sidelines.

But the SI tweet is hardly the only place where the comparison has been made. Only days ago Fox Sports 1 co-host Shannon Sharpe reacted to Manziel’s workout at the University of San Diego’s pro day in front of 13 NFL teams. Sharpe said it was “so disappointing” to see Manziel get another chance while Kaepernick has not.

The former Cleveland Browns player started his first tweet warning that his comments might “cause an uproar.”

“This will probably cause an uproar,” he wrote, “but I’m tired of the @Kaepernick7 vs myself comparisons and anger. Kap is doing amazing things right now changing lives and donating millions of dollars. His impact off the field from a societal standpoint is legendary and straight admirable.”

Manziel went on to give high praise to Kaepernick for his charitable works: “Standing up for people who often don’t get heard and for a race that continually deals with problem after problem in this country for CENTURIES. This world we live in is absolutely crazy, and I believe what he’s doing has an amazing impact.”

In another tweet, Manziel next jumped into politics by insisting that the only reason Kaepernick isn’t playing in the NFL today is over his creation of the anti-American protests mounted during the playing of the national anthem.

“The facts of the matter are the reason he’s not being signed are nonfootball based,” Manziel proclaimed. “The guy took a team to the Super Bowl and continuously wreaked havoc on the NFC West and the league. Maybe he had a bad year two years ago but he’s not a bad player, and that’s a fact.”

Manziel also said that Kaepernick is still a worthy player: “In my opinion, the guy still has a lot in the tank, but it’s not my place to say what he wants to do with his career. All I can speak for is myself and trying to turn my life around from the depths it was in. God bless and have a great Saturday.”

“I rock with you @Kaepernick7,” Manziel said in closing, “you’ve always been good to me, and I appreciate that. All the best in your journey my friend wherever that takes you.”

Here are Manziel’s tweets:

Follow Warner Todd Huston on Twitter @warnerthuston.

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