Manziel draws a crowd at SEC Media Days

HOOVER, Ala. – Johnny Manziel strode into Southeastern Conference Media Days and was swarmed by hundreds of reporters and dozens of television cameras.

If the Texas A&M quarterback was troubled by all the attention, he didn’t show it.

Manziel answered every question thrown his way during the 30-minute Q&A. He said he largely enjoys the spotlight that comes with winning the Heisman Trophy – even if it sometimes includes unsavory headlines.

“This is just another day,” Johnny Football said with a grin.

The 20-year-old sophomore and face of college football spent most of his stay at the Wynfrey Hotel, bouncing from one interview session to another. He talked about an eventful offseason that has frequently made him a trending topic.

“I don’t feel like I’ve done anything that’s catastrophic,” Manziel said. “Of course, I’ve made my mistakes. It’s time to grow up.”

The most recent misstep came last weekend at the Manning Passing Academy. Manziel was one of many college quarterback counselors at the camp for high school prospects, but he left before it was over.

He says he missed activities because he “overslept,” and his absence had nothing to do with being out partying the night before.

“The speculation of me being too hung over and that’s the reason I missed the meetings is absolutely incorrect,” he said.

He said his carousing has been at times “blown out of proportion,” though he did acknowledge that he needs to make better decisions because he’s such a public figure.

“My offseason, all the stuff’s that’s gone on will have no effect on this season,” Manziel said. “I’m ready to stop. No more talk after this. Let’s play football.”