Speaking with Johnny Manziel, De’Von Achane reminisces about his time at Texas A&M.

For Texas A&M fans, the legacy of Johnny Manziel—the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner and former quarterback—looms large. Manziel’s electrifying style of play and his ability to take over games transformed Aggies football, leaving behind a legacy that will be hard to match. But even as one of the most iconic figures in Texas A&M history, Manziel has watched the program evolve, and now, with the next generation of stars rising to prominence, a new crop of Aggies is beginning to make their own mark.

One such player is De’Von Achane, a standout running back who was part of Texas A&M’s 2025 roster, known for his speed, vision, and ability to change the game with a single play. Achane’s career at Texas A&M is characterized by explosive runs, incredible athleticism, and a unique connection with his teammates, especially as he played alongside players who looked to carry the Aggies forward.

Now, as Achane reflects on his time at Texas A&M, he sits down with none other than Johnny Manziel himself, a legend who redefined what it meant to be an Aggie in the modern era. Together, they reminisce about their time at A&M, their individual experiences, and what it means to play for the Aggies.

The Beginning of De’Von Achane’s Journey

Before we dive into the conversation between Achane and Manziel, let’s take a brief look at De’Von Achane’s career at Texas A&M.

Achane arrived in College Station as a highly touted recruit, joining the Aggies in 2021. As a freshman, he quickly made a name for himself as one of the fastest and most dynamic players on the field. His speed was his calling card, but it was his versatility that helped him flourish in Jimbo Fisher’s system. Whether running the ball, catching passes out of the backfield, or returning kicks, Achane demonstrated the rare ability to make something happen whenever he touched the ball.

In 2023, Achane had a breakout season, amassing over 1,200 rushing yards and scoring 15 total touchdowns. His performances were pivotal in key victories, and he became a fan favorite for his electrifying style of play. Achane’s ability to break away for long touchdowns and his tenacity to never give up on a play quickly earned him comparisons to some of the great running backs in recent Aggie history.

Johnny Manziel: A Legend and a Pioneer

When we think about the Texas A&M Aggies in the 2010s, Johnny Manziel’s name is synonymous with greatness. Manziel burst onto the scene in 2012, immediately capturing the attention of college football fans with his dynamic style of play. His Heisman-winning performance as a freshman set the tone for his legendary career. Not only did he become the first freshman ever to win the Heisman Trophy, but he also helped propel Texas A&M into the SEC, where the Aggies found immediate success under head coach Kevin Sumlin.

Manziel’s escapability in the pocket, his ability to make plays with his legs, and his arm strength made him a unique talent. Whether scrambling out of pressure or throwing deep bombs, Manziel’s unpredictable play style was the stuff of college football folklore. His impact on the Texas A&M football program extended beyond just his stats; he changed the perception of the Aggies on a national stage, making them contenders in the SEC and a team that opponents feared to face.

After his college career, Manziel went on to be drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft, where his pro career had mixed results. Despite his professional challenges, Manziel remains a beloved figure in College Station, and his time at Texas A&M is still seen as the golden era for the program.

The Conversation: Achane and Manziel Reflect on Their Time at A&M

In a recent sit-down, Johnny Manziel and De’Von Achane caught up, reminiscing about their time at Texas A&M, their experiences on and off the field, and the impact the program has had on their lives. What unfolded was a candid and insightful conversation about growth, adversity, and the pride that comes with wearing the maroon and white.

Johnny Manziel: “So, De’Von, you’re one of the most electrifying players I’ve seen in a long time. Watching you play, it’s clear you’ve got that ‘X-factor’—that thing that makes you a game-changer. When you first got to A&M, did you ever imagine you’d become the player you are today?”

De’Von Achane: “Honestly, Johnny, I always believed in myself, but when I first arrived at Texas A&M, I didn’t know what to expect. I knew there was a tradition of greatness here, and I wanted to be part of that. But I also knew I had to work hard to carve my own path. I mean, following in your footsteps—man, that’s tough! You set the bar so high. But over time, I learned how to be confident in my abilities. I knew I had to stay humble, put in the work, and let the plays speak for themselves.”

Johnny Manziel: “I hear you, man. It’s all about staying grounded. But from what I’ve seen, you’ve done that and more. I’ve watched some of your highlights, and you remind me a lot of how I felt when I was out there making plays. You’ve got that fearlessness, that belief that you can take over any game. But let’s go back to when you first arrived at A&M. We had some great teams, but how was that transition for you, coming into a place like Texas A&M and trying to make an impact as a young player?”

De’Von Achane: “Yeah, it was definitely a transition. It’s not just the football—it’s the culture. Texas A&M is a special place. The fans, the support—it’s something different. But you have to earn your place. I remember my first year, I wasn’t starting right away, and I had to prove myself. But once I got my chance, I knew I couldn’t waste it. I saw the way you played, Johnny, and the kind of swagger you brought to the field. It gave me confidence. Seeing you go out there and do what you did—well, it made me think, ‘Why not me?’”

Johnny Manziel: “That’s the mentality you need, man. I know it wasn’t always easy, but you’ve handled everything the right way. I always felt like A&M had a chip on its shoulder. Coming into the SEC, we weren’t always respected like we should’ve been. We had to earn it. And you, De’Von, you’ve earned your respect. I’ve seen your work ethic firsthand. You never back down, and that’s what makes you dangerous.”

De’Von Achane: “Appreciate that, Johnny. You’re the one who showed us that the spotlight isn’t something to shy away from. You embraced it, and it made you better. That’s something I try to carry with me. You can’t be scared of pressure. Pressure is what makes diamonds. And I’ll tell you, one of the coolest things about A&M is the brotherhood we have. We’re not just teammates; we’re family. And it’s something special when you can carry that on the field with you.”

Johnny Manziel: “That’s exactly how it is. And trust me, De’Von, you’ve got a legacy to leave behind here. We all do. It’s a blessing to be part of something bigger than yourself, to represent A&M and everything it stands for. And I know you’ve made your mark. But one of the coolest things I see is how you’re paving the way for future Aggies. You’re a role model now, just like the ones who came before you.”

De’Von Achane: “That’s the goal. We’re all part of something bigger than ourselves. And I think Texas A&M has a bright future ahead. I’ve seen the young guys coming up, and they’re hungry. I think we’re just getting started. But I’ll never forget the guys who paved the way for me, like you, Johnny. You made us believe that anything was possible. You led by example, and that’s what I want to do for the next generation of Aggies.”

The Lasting Legacy of Texas A&M Football

As their conversation winds down, both Johnny Manziel and De’Von Achane reflect on the shared pride of playing for Texas A&M. What stands out in their conversation is the common thread of respect, humility, and a deep appreciation for the traditions and values of the Aggies program. Both players, in their own unique ways, embody what it means to be part of something larger than themselves—a team, a university, and a culture of excellence that transcends individual accomplishments.

For Achane, looking back on his time at A&M gives him a sense of pride. The foundation that players like Johnny Manziel helped build has allowed Achane to rise as one of the next great stars in Aggie history. And for Manziel, seeing the success of the next generation of Aggies reaffirms the lasting impact of his own legacy.

As Texas A&M continues to build on its successes in the **SEC

** and beyond, players like De’Von Achane will carry the torch forward, ensuring that the program remains a force in college football. And even as Manziel’s playing days are long behind him, the pride he feels for his time in College Station remains. The story of Texas A&M football is far from over, but with players like Achane leading the charge, the future looks as bright as ever.