Vince Young says why the Cleveland Browns cut him because of Johnny Manziel.

Former NFL quarterback Vince Young, who had a spectacular career at the University of Texas and a brief NFL career, recently explained why the Cleveland Browns cut him. Young clarified in his remarks that Johnny Manziel, the highly-regarded rookie quarterback selected by the Browns in 2014, eventually had an impact on the decision to cut him. The circumstances surrounding Young’s brief stay in Cleveland are indicative of a more extensive and intricate problem that centered on the Browns’ quarterback position at the time and Manziel’s ascent to prominence as an NFL divisive figure.

Background on Vince Young’s Career and Move to the Cleveland Browns

Vince Young’s career began with great promise. After an illustrious career at the University of Texas, where he led the Longhorns to a national championship in 2005, he was selected as the third overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. Young’s early years in the NFL were marked by success, including a Pro Bowl appearance in his second season, and he seemed poised to become one of the premier quarterbacks in the league. However, his career began to face challenges, particularly with consistency on the field and struggles with his personal life off the field.

By the time 2014 came around, Young was looking to make a comeback in the NFL after several years away from the game. He had stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers but had been largely out of the league. The Cleveland Browns, who had been in search of stability at the quarterback position for years, offered him an opportunity to prove himself. Young joined the Browns in 2014 as a backup quarterback during the preseason, but his tenure with the team was short-lived.

The Browns, at the time, were also dealing with the whirlwind that was Johnny Manziel. Manziel had been drafted in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the Browns, and there was a great deal of pressure for him to succeed as the face of the franchise. However, his off-field issues, including problems with alcohol and questionable behavior, had started to overshadow his on-field potential. It was under this cloud of uncertainty and media attention that Vince Young’s time in Cleveland unfolded, culminating in his release from the team.

Vince Young’s Take on the Situation

In recent comments, Young shared his perspective on why he was cut by the Cleveland Browns. He revealed that his release came as a direct result of the Browns’ commitment to Johnny Manziel. According to Young, the Browns had made it clear that they were invested in developing Manziel as their starting quarterback and were not interested in keeping a veteran backup like Young, who might challenge or overshadow the rookie.

Young went on to explain that, despite his experience and familiarity with the NFL, he was essentially used as a temporary player to provide depth during the preseason. The team, he believed, had already made the decision to roll with Manziel as their future quarterback, and there was no room for Young in the roster plans. From Young’s perspective, the Browns’ decision was driven by their desire to put all their chips behind Manziel, even though he was not ready for the NFL spotlight and had not proven himself as a stable starting quarterback.

While Young’s release was disappointing, he understood the larger context of the situation. Teams in the NFL often prioritize their high draft picks, especially quarterbacks, due to the enormous investment they make in those players. Manziel, who had been drafted as the future of the franchise, represented a potential turning point for the Browns, and the organization was committed to seeing what he could do as their starter. Young, as a seasoned veteran, was likely seen as a stopgap measure, not someone who would be part of the long-term future of the team.

The Johnny Manziel Effect

The situation surrounding Johnny Manziel in Cleveland was one of the most talked-about stories in the NFL during the early 2010s. Manziel, also known as “Johnny Football” from his days at Texas A&M, was a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback who brought a lot of excitement to college football with his playmaking ability and charisma. He was viewed as a potential franchise quarterback for the Browns, who had been struggling to find stability at the position for years.

However, Manziel’s off-field behavior became a major distraction and issue for the team. His partying lifestyle, frequent media attention, and struggles with substance abuse put a significant strain on his career and the Browns’ ability to focus on football. Despite these issues, the Browns were committed to giving Manziel a chance to succeed, especially considering the enormous attention his selection had garnered.

In contrast to Young, who had a more traditional and serious approach to the game, Manziel was seen as a more volatile and unpredictable figure. His antics often dominated headlines, and it became increasingly clear that the Browns had made an enormous bet on his potential. As Young reflected on his time in Cleveland, it became evident that his release was a direct consequence of the Browns’ decision to put their faith in Manziel, hoping he would be able to turn things around and become the leader the franchise had been seeking.

The Reality of NFL Roster Decisions

Vince Young’s experience with the Cleveland Browns highlights the difficult reality of roster decisions in the NFL. In most cases, teams are focused on their future, and they will make moves that they believe are in the long-term interest of the organization. This often leads to difficult decisions, such as cutting players who have more experience but do not fit into the team’s immediate plans. Young, in this case, was caught in the crossfire of the Browns’ commitment to their investment in Manziel, even though his career had not yet proven itself to be a success.

The NFL is a results-driven league, and players are often judged on their ability to contribute immediately. For someone like Vince Young, who had already experienced a great deal of success in college and the early stages of his professional career but had fallen out of favor with previous teams, the situation in Cleveland was not ideal. Even though Young believed he had the talent to contribute to the Browns, the reality was that the team had other priorities.

The Legacy of Vince Young

Vince Young’s NFL career may not have gone according to the grand expectations that many had for him, but it still remains an important chapter in football history. Young’s performance in college football remains legendary, especially his performance in the 2006 Rose Bowl, where he led the Texas Longhorns to a national title with a thrilling victory over USC. His playmaking ability, leadership, and poise in that game cemented his place in college football history.