The 2012 Heisman Trophy winner has not ruled out joining the Canadian Football League
Wednesday 28 March 2018 22:31, UK
Johnny Manziel could return to the NFL after reportedly meeting with the New England Patriots.
The Boston Herald reported Manziel showcased his throwing skills in front of scouts and coaches at Texas A&M's pro day on Tuesday with the Patriots meeting with him before and after the session.
The Patriots could allow Manziel to join as a third quarterback behind Tom Brady and backup Brian Hoyer but they are only likely to have two on their 53-man roster come September.
Manziel suggested if he does not manage to sign with an NFL team, he would consider the Canadian Football League (CFL).
He said: "I've blocked it off. I can't do anything. I can't stress about it, all I can do is make sure I'm where I need to be, all I can do is block it off.
"If something [with the NFL] pops up, it pops up and if not, if I don't get the opportunity to go back, I'm going to go play in the CFL and things are going to be fine.
"One way or another, one day down the line, I'll get back to exactly where I want to be because I'm not going to stop until I do."
Manziel's CFL rights are held by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats who extended a qualifying offer in January.
The 25-year-old quarterback was last in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns for the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
They released him in March 2016 due to a number of off-field issues as well as a suspension under the NFL's substance abuse.
Manziel told ESPN it "took him a while to overcome his abuse and to get somewhere he was comfortable with it".
"Once I did I started seeing an improvement in all aspects of my life. The people that I have around me, I have a good team around me," he added.
"I've cut off a lot of the leeches that have been around me in my life and it was really needed and really necessary."
