Manziel signs with Hamilton Tiger-Cats

HAMILTON Johnny Football isn’t intent on using the Hamilton Tiger-Cats as a springboard back to the NFL.

Johnny Manziel signed a two-year deal with the Ticats on Saturday, the day before the start of Hamilton’s training camp. The former Heisman Trophy winner made the announcement on Twitter following an offseason where he actively pursued an NFL contract.

“I don’t want to wait around anymore,” Manziel said during a news conference at Tim Hortons Field. “I want a chance to get on the field and get into the locker room and get a chance to play ball again.

“This isn’t just a pit stop for me. I’m not coming here to get what I need to go back down to the NFL. I’ve signed into this for the long haul, for two years. I’m here to make the most of it.”

Manziel’s decision was big news on both sides of the border, with a host of TV cameras part of a packed media centre at Tim Hortons Field.

Manziel, 25, starred at Texas A&M, capturing the ‘12 Heisman Trophy as U.S. college football’s top player. The Tyler, Tex. native was selected in the first round, No. 22 overall, in the 2014 NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns but was released in March 2016 after posting a 2-6 record over two tumultuous campaigns.

Manziel was honest this offseason that his primary goal was to sign an NFL contract and he’d go to the CFL if that opportunity didn’t materialize. On Saturday, Manziel said he’s not looking that far down the road.

“I don’t know what two years down the road looks like for me,” Manziel said. “Maybe I come up here and I love it and I don’t want to go anywhere.

“We’ll play it by ear and take it day by day like I’ve been doing.”