Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Browns rookie Johnny Manziel enters treatment vowing to change lifestyle

Associated Press

CLEVELAND – Johnny Manziel has sought help to change his off-field lifestyle.

Following a rough rookie season in the NFL, Manziel, 22, has entered a treatment program for unspecified reasons, an adviser for the Browns quarterback said in a statement released by the team on Monday.

“Johnny knows there are areas he needs to improve on to help him be a better family member, friend and teammate, so he decided to take this step in his life during the offseason,” Manziel adviser Brad Beckworth said. Beckworth said the former Heisman Trophy winner entered the unnamed facility last week. He said Manziel’s family is asking for privacy until he rejoins the team.

Beckworth’s statement did not indicate reasons for Manziel needing treatment. However, his penchant for partying followed him from college and Manziel’s nightlife has been well-chronicled by social and mainstream media.

The location of the facility where he is staying is not immediately known.

Browns general manager Ray Farmer said in a statement that the team fully supports Manziel and respects his initiative in entering treatment. The team will respect Manziel’s privacy wishes during treatment, he said.

“Our players’ health and well-being will always be of the utmost importance to the Cleveland Browns,” Farmer said. “We continually strive to create a supportive environment and provide the appropriate resources, with our foremost focus being on the individual and not just the football player.”