While some Browns teammates admitted they lost faith in Johnny Manziel last year, cornerback Joe Haden says he never did.
And he said after spending time with Manziel after his ten-week stint in rehab, he can see the change in him, after the quarterback spent extra hours at the team’s facility working out.
“Yesterday was the first day, and he stayed about three hours after we had to leave when the time was done,” Haden said, via Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “Actions speak a lot louder than words. He has a lot to show the people, but he’s trying his best. I think he’s got his mind right, and he’s just ready to get it going. . . .
“He’s one of my good friends. We talk about real life things. I could just tell he’s motivated. When I talked to him, I could tell there’s something different with him.”
While Manziel’s trying to rebuild his personal and professional life, he’s also being watched — probably more intently than ever.
Haden said he’s seen how difficult being in that fishbowl can be, having played in college with Tim Tebow.
“It’s a lot for him,’'Haden said. “It’s a lot for a kid. No matter what he does, good or bad, people are always on him. Same way I felt about Tebow playing with him. At the end of the day he’s just a normal guy. He just wants to live his life the best way he can.”
Having a mentor like Haden’s only going to help, but ultimately, that responsibility is going to fall on Manziel’s shoulders alone.
