Down the drain

As much as I'd like to jump start this blog with a positive story I think it's important to set the precedent that it's not going to be all from a rosy perspective because that would be unrealistic.

Talent and potential going unfulfilled is no new thing in major sports but for such an iconic athlete to already be on the verge of not only losing his spot in sports but possibly losing his life is a true tragedy.

In case you haven't guessed who I'm talking about by now, check the video and then you'll know.

Yep, money Manziel. Johnny Football. First freshman to win the Heisman, even if it was as a redshirt.

First round pick of the Browns, second QB taken, ahead Teddy Bridgewater and Derek Carr.

He was electric in college. One of the best ever. That highlight is one of the most fun plays ever and is exactly why I loved Bowl season.

But now he can't get out of his own way. Drinking, partying, "living it up" instead of putting in the time to maximize his potential.

I'm a Vikings fan and am glad they didn't draft him but have rooted for him because of his abilities and am sad that things have gone the way that they have for him. Not excusing him, because a lot of it comes down to the choices I already mentioned.

As much as I wish he would get it together enough to prioritize being an NFL player I just hope he can make the choices to get back on track with his life.

Everything I've heard is that he was never pushed or pressured to be better. That make good choices were never well emphasized to him. Tragic. I don't have kids but I've worked with kids before and know how tough it can be but also how important it is to set good boundaries.

One day soon or down the road some years there may be breaking news that he's been found dead of something or other and it's sad. Because a guy who can do what he did in college shouldn't go out that way. No one should to be frank but he had a special opportunity and seems to have already lost it.

Here's to hoping that all that talent and potential hasn't gone down the drain. That John Manziel won't be another sad story down the road. If he never plays high level football again, that's fine, if only he can find a profession, can make the changes necessary to live a long and prosperous life then it wouldn't be nearly the waste that it seems to be becoming.

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