Johnny Manziel’s career has been a rollercoaster, from winning the Heisman Trophy to struggling with financial setbacks.
While he once had lucrative contracts and endorsement deals, his wealth declined due to mismanagement and off-field controversies.
In this article, PBC breaks down Johnny Manziel net worth, salary, endorsement deals, and financial decisions that shaped his fortune.
Johnny Manziel Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Johnathan Paul Manziel |
| Popular Name | Johnny Manziel |
| Birth Date | December 6, 1992 |
| Age | 32 years (as of February 2025) |
| Birthplace | Tyler, Texas, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Lebanese (paternal), Italian (maternal) |
| Education | Texas A&M University (2011–2013), Tivy High School (2007–2011), Tivy High School |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Breana Tiesi (m. 2018–2021) |
| Children | None |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | Meri Manziel (Younger sister) |
| Parents | Michelle Manziel, Paul Manziel |
| Height | 1.83 meters |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1 million |
| Source of Wealth | Football salary, endorsements |
What is the Net Worth of Johnny Manziel in 2025?
As of 2025, Johnny Manziel’s net worth is estimated at $1 million, a sharp decline from his projected career earnings of over $100 million. His time in the NFL, CFL, and Fan Controlled Football leagues contributed to his wealth, but personal issues, poor financial decisions, and lost endorsements significantly reduced his fortune.
To put this into perspective, here are some other notable figures in the sports world:
- Cleveland Browns
- Nike
- Texas A&M Aggies
- Hamilton Tiger-Cats
- Montreal Alouettes
- Fan Controlled Football
- Kyler Murray
- Brian Hoyer
- Baker Mayfield
- Marcus Mariota
For more insights into the financial status of high-profile athletes, check out the top-earning celebrities today.
Johnny Manziel Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Much Did He Earn Throughout His Career?
Johnny Manziel was once positioned to be one of the highest-paid athletes, with expectations of earning over $100 million through contracts and endorsements. However, his actual career earnings totaled around $18 million before taxes.
- His NFL salary amounted to $7.7 million, most of which came from his rookie contract with the Cleveland Browns.
- He earned $4.3 million as a signing bonus but never secured another significant contract after being cut in 2016.
- His endorsement deals, primarily from Nike, added about $10 million, though most of these partnerships ended due to off-field controversies.
What Were His Biggest Contracts and Financial Deals?
Manziel’s most lucrative contract was his four-year, $8.25 million deal with the Cleveland Browns in 2014. However, after playing just two seasons, he was released.
He later signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the CFL, followed by a trade to the Montreal Alouettes, but his contract was voided in 2019.
Despite attempts to revive his career with the Memphis Express in the AAF and Fan Controlled Football, his earnings in these leagues were minimal compared to his early expectations.
How Did Endorsements Impact His Finances?
Endorsements initially played a major role in Manziel’s earnings. Before joining the NFL, he signed a multi-million dollar deal with Nike, beating out offers from Under Armour and New Balance.
Additional sponsorships included:
- McDonald’s
- Nissan
- Panini America
However, in 2016, Nike dropped him due to his off-field controversies, leading to a significant financial loss.
Why Did He Lose a Significant Portion of His Wealth?
Manziel’s financial downfall stemmed from a combination of extravagant spending, poor financial decisions, and career instability.
- He admitted to blowing $5 million on a “bender” during his most controversial period.
- He lost endorsement deals, including Nike, which contributed heavily to his financial decline.
- After being released by the Cleveland Browns, he struggled to find a long-term contract in any professional league.
Did His Family Wealth Play a Role in His Finances?
There were rumors that Manziel came from oil wealth, but these claims were exaggerated. While his great-grandfather Bobby Joe Manziel found oil in the 1930s, his parents lived a middle-class lifestyle.
His father, Paul Manziel, worked as a car salesman, and his mother, Michelle Manziel, was involved in real estate. Unlike some athletes who rely on generational wealth, Manziel’s earnings came primarily from his football career and endorsements.
What Is He Doing Now to Manage His Finances?
After his professional football career ended, Manziel attempted to rebuild his finances:
- He appeared in a Netflix documentary that reportedly earned him a six-figure paycheck.
- He played in Fan Controlled Football in 2021 and 2022 but made minimal earnings.
- He explored business opportunities, but details about his investments remain unclear.
While he may never return to NFL-level earnings, he is trying to stabilize his financial situation.
Lessons Learned from His Financial Rise and Fall
Manziel’s financial story serves as a lesson for young athletes:
- Proper money management is crucial—blowing through millions can lead to financial ruin.
- Endorsements are not guaranteed—poor decisions off the field can result in lost deals.
- Surrounding yourself with financial advisors matters—without guidance, even multi-millionaires can struggle financially.
Conclusion
Johnny Manziel’s financial journey is a cautionary tale about the importance of financial literacy and career longevity.
Whether he can rebuild his wealth remains uncertain, but his story highlights the risks of poor money management.
Want to explore more celebrity finances? Visit Pennbookcenter.com for the latest insights into athlete earnings and wealth management.
