Two QBs Grabbing Headines, Two Different Reasons: Johnny Manziel, Russell Wilson

In 2012, it was the year of the quarterback for both college and the NFL. They came in different sizes, backgrounds and with unique stories. With the exception of four NFL quarterbacks, the season is now over but it doesn’t mean they’re exempt from the headlines.

For Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel, it’s been a whirlwind last few months winning the Heisman Trophy, routing Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl and celebrating life as a 20-year-old. His accolades are numerous but at the end of the day, he’s a college kid and could have a few years left of NCAA  football.

One person who has not forgotten this is Aggies Atheltic Director Eric Hyman.

Then there’s Seattle Seahawks rookie quarterback Russell Wilson grabbing news for a different reason. After having a phenomenal record-breaking first NFL season while ending with the disappointing 30-28 loss on Sunday against the Falcons, it’s time for the offseason.

But on Monday, it was business as usual for Wilson.

Johnny Football: “He is a Heisman”

Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel

Since last summer, Manziel was in the news for a July fighting arrest, followed by winning the Aggies’ starting quarterback role–just to name a few stories. Fast forward to his post-Cotton Bowl celebration including photos of the underage player holding a Champagne bottle and a wad of cash at an Oklahoma casino, he’s loving life.

Even one college coach couldn’t resist comment. Oklahoma defensive coordinator Mike Stoops said of Manziel: [he] “might have three or four Heismans … if they can keep him out of jail or keep him eligible.”

So what’s next for Manziel? It’s time to grow up.

Hyman recently sat down with Manziel’s parents and said via San Antonio Express of Johnny, “I told them he’s no longer a freshman, and he’s no longer a sophomore, junior or senior. He is a ‘Heisman.”

The AD added, “It’s (about) education, and we’ve got to help the family and Johnny with the transition into being a Heisman award winner. There are things you have to learn, and we have to help him with that.  That’s a special fraternity, but you also have to understand (Manziel) is 20 years old. It’s a tremendous responsibility – but it is a responsibility.”

Ok, what happened to Manziel just being a kid? If he can’t have fun now, what’s going to happen when he graduates college and goes to the NFL?

If you’ve either read or seen interviews with Manziel’s dad, he’s a real hard-ass; I can’t imagine Johnny will get into too much trouble without first being “punished” by his dad. Which could be worse than being in trouble with Aggies coach Kevin Sumlin.

Manziel has said he’d like to win the National Championship. For next season, the odds are 12 to 1 for Texas A&M to get it done.

Wilson: A Student of Football

Seahawks QB Russell Wilson

Denver quarterback Peyton Manning’s preparation and film study is well documented. I always like to say I wouldn’t want to be the guy’s teammate and be unprepared for either a practice or a game.

The same may be said of Wilson.

On Sunday after the game, he said via NFL.com, “When the game was over, I was very disappointed, but right before I got back to the tunnel, walking off the field, I got so excited for the next opportunity, next year. Looking forward what we have in the future. We have a great football team.”

He was so excited that on Monday he wouldn’t speak to the media as he was busy watching film, tweeted John Boyle of the Everett Herald.

If he’s this good and disciplined now after one season, what’s next for his sophomore season?

On Sunday, he set a postseason rookie passing record with his 385 yards, crushing a 75-year-old record. Will he win the Rookie of Year Award? The bettors give him a 4 to 1 chance.