Johnny Manziel Signs Contract with Alliance of American Football

The former NCAA star and CFL bust was assigned to the Memphis Express.

OTTAWA, ON - AUGUST 11: Montreal Alouettes quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) takes a break during warm-up before Canadian Football League action between the Montreal Alouettes and Ottawa Redblacks on August 11, 2018 at TD Place Stadium, in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON - AUGUST 11: Montreal Alouettes quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) takes a break during warm-up before Canadian Football League action between the Montreal Alouettes and Ottawa Redblacks on August 11, 2018 at TD Place Stadium, in Ottawa, ON, Canada. (Photo by Richard A. Whittaker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Johnny Manziel is hoping the third time is the charm.

Manziel, who was cut by the Cleveland Browns and then flamed out after resurfacing in the CFL, will be joining the Memphis Express in the Alliance of American Football after signing a standard contract with the league.

The San Antonio Commanders had Manziel’s rights after drafting him, but decided to waive them which clears the way for him to join the Express in Memphis.

“We are pleased to welcome Johnny Manziel to the Alliance of American Football, which we’ve always described as a league of opportunity for talented players to launch or revitalize their pro football careers,” AAF co-founder Bill Polian said in a statement. “We completed extensive background work to determine whether it would be appropriate for Johnny to play this season, and after consulting with many people familiar with his situation, we concluded that it would be good for him to resume his pro football career here at The Alliance.”

In 15 appearances in the NFL spread out over the course of two seasons, Manziel completed 57 percent of his passes for 1,675 yards, seven touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He went 2-6 as the starter in Cleveland.

The 22nd overall pick in the 2014 NFL draft, Manziel will compete for playing time with NFL busts Christian Hackenberg and Zach Mettenberger in Memphis.

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