The legend of "Johnny Football" has officially traded the gridiron for the microphone and the nightlife district. As of late 2024 and early 2025, Jonathan Paul Manziel is no longer chasing a professional football comeback but is instead building a new empire focused on media, entrepreneurship, and capitalizing on his iconic college legacy, particularly in College Station, Texas. His current career path is a fascinating pivot, moving from the intense pressure of the NFL spotlight to the world of business ventures and candid podcasting, where he openly discusses his tumultuous past and new life.
The former Heisman Trophy winner has fully embraced his post-football identity, leveraging his fame and notoriety to launch several high-profile projects. The most talked-about ventures include the opening of a massive nightclub in his old college stomping grounds and the launch of a highly successful sports podcast. This article dives deep into the specific, current projects keeping the former Texas A&M star busy and profitable in 2025.
Jonathan Paul Manziel: The Player Profile & Biography
Jonathan Paul Manziel, universally known by his moniker "Johnny Football," remains one of the most polarizing and memorable figures in modern football history. His career was a meteoric rise and a rapid, controversial fall, which now serves as the foundation for his current business ventures.
- Full Name: Jonathan Paul Manziel
- Nickname: Johnny Football
- Date of Birth: December 6, 1992 (Age 32 as of late 2024)
- Place of Birth: Tyler, Texas
- Height & Weight: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m), 210 lbs (95 kg)
- College: Texas A&M University (2011–2013)
- Career Highlights:
- Heisman Trophy Winner (2012)
- Consensus All-American (2012)
- First-Round NFL Draft Pick (22nd overall by the Cleveland Browns in 2014)
- Professional Career: Cleveland Browns (NFL), Hamilton Tiger-Cats (CFL), Montreal Alouettes (CFL), Memphis Express (AAF), Zappers (FCF)
1. The Launch of 'Johnny Manziel's Money Bar' in College Station
The most concrete and significant business venture for Manziel in 2024-2025 is the opening of his own nightlife establishment, aptly named "Johnny Manziel's Money Bar." This project is a direct callback to his legendary status at Texas A&M and his "Money Manziel" persona from his college days.
A Nightlife Hotspot in the Northgate District
The bar is strategically located at 115 College Main Street, right in the heart of the Northgate District, the famous entertainment area near the Texas A&M campus. This location ensures a constant flow of students, alumni, and fans eager to experience a piece of the "Johnny Football" legacy. The concept is described as the "ultimate nightlife hotspot," blending high-energy club vibes with a touch of football legend flair, and is even promoted on the official College Station tourism site.
The venture, which was initially announced for a Fall 2023 opening, is now operational or in the final stages of opening in 2025, representing a major pivot from sports to the hospitality industry. Manziel is part of an ownership group, leveraging his name recognition to draw massive crowds and secure a permanent business presence in Aggieland.
2. Major Media Career: Podcasting and Sports Betting Analysis
Johnny Manziel has found a highly successful second career in media, capitalizing on his candidness and unique perspective as a cautionary tale for young athletes. His media ventures in 2024 and 2025 have solidified his status as a recurring voice in the sports world.
The 'Glory Daze' Podcast
In a major media push, Manziel launched his own weekly sports podcast, "Glory Daze with Johnny Manziel," in 2024. The show focuses on interviews and discussions about the high-pressure world of college and professional sports, often touching on themes of fame, mental health, and the pitfalls of instant celebrity. The podcast is a key vehicle for Manziel to control his narrative and connect directly with fans, proving to be a profitable venture under the Almost Friday Media umbrella.
Action Network and 'Big Bets on Campus'
Further establishing his media credentials, Manziel joined The Action Network’s "Big Bets on Campus" podcast for the 2024 football season. This role allows him to share his insights on college football, particularly the SEC, and engage with the booming sports betting market. His involvement highlights a strategic move to partner with established sports media brands, providing him with a consistent platform and income stream.
Manziel has also made high-profile guest appearances on other major podcasts, including two episodes of "The Rich Eisen Show" and a widely discussed appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s "Club Shay Shay" in February 2024, where he was remarkably open about his past struggles and the financial fallout of his NFL career.
3. Leveraging His Legacy and NIL Commentary
While Manziel’s playing career ended with stints in the Canadian Football League (CFL), the Alliance of American Football (AAF), and the Fan Controlled Football (FCF) league (where he played for the Zappers), his current focus is on the business of his legacy.
He frequently speaks about his own experience in the context of the new Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era in college sports. Manziel often frames himself as a "cautionary tale" for current college athletes, a perspective that is highly sought after by media outlets and universities.
His commentary on the financial and emotional challenges of sudden fame and wealth resonates deeply, providing him with opportunities for speaking engagements, interviews, and content creation that are both meaningful and lucrative. He has stated that he believes his journey is a perfect example of why college athletes need financial and emotional guidance in the NIL era.
4. Net Worth and Financial Stability in 2025
Despite reports of his extravagant spending—including a highly publicized claim in the Netflix documentary "Untold: Johnny Football" that he spent nearly $5 million in a single year after his Browns release—Manziel appears to have found financial stability in his post-football life.
His net worth is estimated to be around $1 million, though some reports place it higher. This figure is a reflection of his total NFL earnings (approximately $7.7 million from his Browns contract), his subsequent pro contracts in the CFL and AAF, and his new business ventures.
The stability comes from his strategic shift away from high-risk football comebacks to sustainable business models like the College Station bar and his consistent media presence. His current income is driven by:
- Ownership stake in "Johnny Manziel's Money Bar."
- Revenue from the "Glory Daze" podcast.
- Compensation for his role on Action Network and other media appearances.
- Endorsements and autograph signing sessions, particularly in Aggieland.
5. The Final Chapter: A Focus on Personal Life and Redemption
Manziel’s life after football is also defined by a focus on personal well-being and a public narrative of redemption. His willingness to be transparent about his struggles with addiction and mental health has made him a compelling figure in the sports world. His 2023 Netflix documentary was a major step in this direction, allowing him to close the book on the "Johnny Football" persona’s darker side.
In 2025, Manziel is not attempting any further professional football comebacks. His career is now firmly rooted in entrepreneurship and media, providing him with the structure and stability that eluded him during his professional playing days. The new ventures—especially the bar in College Station—are a way for him to celebrate the positive aspects of his legacy and ensure his famous nickname continues to generate revenue far beyond the football field. He has successfully transitioned from a quarterback to a true brand owner.
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