In the world of professional football, few stories carry as much intrigue as the saga of Johnny Manziel, the quarterback whose career promised so much yet delivered so little. What many fans may not realize is how close Manziel came to joining the Kansas City Chiefs, a choice that could have dramatically altered both the trajectory of the team’s success and his personal journey in the NFL.
Back in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Chiefs were at a crossroads. Although they had Alex Smith leading their offense, there were whispers within the organization about the allure of signing a quarterback with star potential. At the same time, Johnny Manziel had become a sensation during his collegiate career at Texas A&M, winning the Heisman Trophy and earning a reputation for his explosive playmaking skills and charismatic personality.
The Chiefs were in need of an offensive spark, and rumors began to circulate that Manziel was on their radar. As the draft approached, speculation grew over whether Kansas City would take a chance on the mercurial quarterback. The decision was more than just about finding a new player; it was about reshaping the future of the franchise.
Ultimately, the Chiefs decided not to draft Manziel. The Cleveland Browns selected him as their 22nd overall pick. If the Chiefs had chosen differently, the entire dynamic of the NFL might have shifted. With Manziel, the Chiefs could have developed into an even more formidable force, potentially challenging for multiple playoff runs and even Super Bowl appearances under his direction.
For Johnny Manziel, joining a stable franchise like Kansas City, which had solid coaching and a supportive environment, could have provided him with the structure necessary to thrive in the NFL. The Chiefs had a reputation for developing talented players and fostering a strong team culture under head coach Andy Reid. This environment might have provided the discipline and mentorship Manziel needed to succeed at the professional level.
Instead, Manziel’s career fizzled out in Cleveland, hindered by personal struggles and inconsistent performances on the field. The excitement which once surrounded his prospects soon faded, and by 2016, Manziel was out of the league, a cautionary tale of potential unfulfilled.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs continued to build a powerhouse team, ultimately finding their franchise quarterback in Patrick Mahomes, who would go on to lead the team to a Super Bowl victory. Nonetheless, the thought of what could have been still lingers among fans and analysts alike. The tantalizing prospect of Manziel in a Chiefs uniform remains a footnote in NFL history, highlighting how a single decision can alter the course of not only a franchise but a player’s destiny as well.
