Johnny Manziel issues honest advice to Longhorns QB Arch Manning ahead of crucial season with Texas….
Johnny Manziel Issues Honest Advice to Longhorns QB Arch Manning Ahead of Crucial Season with Texas
As Arch Manning prepares for his first full season with the University of Texas Longhorns, one of college football’s most iconic former quarterbacks, Johnny Manziel, has shared his thoughts on what lies ahead for the highly touted freshman. Manning, whose family name is synonymous with football greatness, has big shoes to fill as he steps into the quarterback position for one of the sport’s most storied programs. Manziel, who earned national fame as the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy while playing at Texas A&M in 2012, knows a thing or two about the pressure of playing the quarterback position in the state of Texas, where football is more than just a game—it’s a way of life.
In a recent interview, Manziel opened up about the unique challenges Manning will face as he looks to lead the Longhorns during a crucial year in the program’s evolution. The Texas Longhorns are entering a pivotal 2025 season with high expectations, and Manning, the grandson of Archie Manning and nephew of Peyton and Eli Manning, has been heralded as the future face of the program. The hype surrounding him has been monumental ever since he made his commitment to the Longhorns, but now the time has come for the young quarterback to prove he can live up to the enormous legacy of his family while making a name for himself in his own right.
“It’s All About Handling the Pressure”
Manziel, who also faced intense scrutiny and expectations during his time at Texas A&M, emphasized how important it is for Manning to manage the pressure that comes with being a Manning at Texas. “It’s a unique situation. I understand the family legacy, and it’s incredible,” Manziel said. “But Arch has to realize, at the end of the day, it’s not about the last name. It’s about what he does on the field and how he handles all the pressure and distractions that come with being the starting QB at Texas. There are going to be high expectations, and he’s going to have to find a way to block that out and just play football.”
Manziel knows firsthand the challenges of handling the spotlight. After bursting onto the scene as a redshirt freshman at Texas A&M, Manziel quickly became one of the most recognizable figures in college football. He won the Heisman in 2012 after leading the Aggies to a memorable win over Alabama and broke multiple records. However, the fame came with its own set of hurdles, especially when it came to managing the constant media attention and external noise.
“You have to learn quickly to shut out the noise,” Manziel explained. “The media, the fans, the expectations, all of that stuff can wear on you. But the truth is, none of that matters when you’re on the field. It’s just you and the game, and the moment you realize that is when things start to slow down for you.”
The Importance of Staying Grounded
Manning has always come across as humble and focused, a trait that has undoubtedly been instilled in him by his legendary family. His grandfather, Archie, was a successful NFL quarterback, and both Peyton and Eli have had long, successful careers in the NFL. However, Manziel cautioned Manning to avoid getting too caught up in his family’s past accomplishments.
“One of the biggest challenges Arch will face is the temptation to live up to what his uncles did, or what his grandfather did,” Manziel said. “But it’s important for him to be his own person and carve out his own path. I think that’s one of the best things I did—just focusing on myself and not letting other people’s expectations dictate how I played the game.”
Manziel’s journey wasn’t without its own setbacks. After an incredible start to his college career, he faced challenges on and off the field, including issues with his personal life, which ultimately affected his professional career. His time in the NFL was far less successful than his collegiate years, but he continues to emphasize the lessons he learned during his time at Texas A&M—lessons that he believes will be useful for Manning in navigating his future.
“I’d say this to Arch: Stay grounded,” Manziel advised. “You’ve got an incredible support system, an amazing family, and a program behind you, but at the end of the day, you’ve got to do the work. There’s no substitute for hard work and preparation.”
Learning from Texas A&M’s Rivalry with Texas
With the upcoming season marking the return of the Texas vs. Texas A&M rivalry, Manziel also shared how playing in that heated rivalry shaped his experience at A&M and how Manning should approach similar big games in the SEC. “Rivalries like that don’t come around often, and when you’re in them, they take on a life of their own. The energy is something you can’t replicate anywhere else. Arch will feel that energy, especially in games like that,” Manziel said.
Despite his eventual exit from the program, Manziel remains proud of his time at Texas A&M, and he expressed confidence that Manning will rise to the occasion in similar high-pressure environments. “When you’re in that moment, and the whole stadium is on edge, you have to have the right mindset. You can’t let the crowd or the magnitude of the game get to you. You’ve got to have ice in your veins and just play football.”
Embracing the Challenge
Manziel also reflected on how Manning should embrace the challenge that comes with playing quarterback at a school with the rich tradition and fanbase of Texas. Manning’s arrival is highly anticipated, and with the Longhorns entering a critical season, the pressure to perform will be immense.
“Being at Texas is different. The history, the fan base, it’s a different type of environment,” Manziel said. “But I think that’s why Arch is special. He’s been through so much already, from the recruiting process to the media frenzy surrounding him. I think he’s ready for this challenge. It’s not going to be easy, but nothing that’s worth having ever is.”
Manziel closed with some final words of advice for Manning: “Keep your circle tight. Don’t let outside distractions get to you. And remember why you started playing in the first place. If you stay focused on the love of the game, the rest will take care of itself.”
As Manning prepares to take the field for the 2025 season, he’ll do so with the weight of expectations squarely on his shoulders. But with words of wisdom from someone who has been through the highs and lows of college football, Manning has a valuable perspective to carry with him into his crucial first year with the Longhorns. Only time will tell if he can live up to the legacy, but one thing is clear—Arch Manning has the talent, the work ethic, and the mindset to handle whatever comes his way.
