Georgia coach Kirby Smart threw some shade at Johnny Manziel during a recent coaching clinic.
While presenting at the Nike Coach of the Year Clinic, Smart showed images of four elite college quarterbacks: Bryce Young, Joe Burrow, Cam Newton, and Manziel. He then asked the audience what they all had in common.
When someone suggested that they were all champions, Smart delivered a sharp response about Manziel’s status.
“Champion? He ain’t no champion,” Smart remarked about Manziel. “Champion of what? Champion of Fireball.”
NEW: Kirby Smart jabbed Johnny Manziel while speaking at the Nike Coach of the Year Clinic💀
“He ain’t no champion. Champion of what? Champion of fireball!”
(via @JamesALight) https://t.co/GtvRhWtkI9 pic.twitter.com/lp2WC5258c
— On3 (@On3sports) February 24, 2025
The reference is, of course, to the renowned whiskey and highlights Manziel’s notorious reputation for partying during his playing days. Manziel might even agree with Smart’s comments.
The actual response to Smart’s question is that all four individuals were quarterbacks who had outstanding performances against one of his defenses, and they all won the Heisman Trophy, a point Smart ultimately acknowledged. Manziel faced Smart twice when he was the defensive coordinator at Alabama, most notably leading Texas A&M to a 29-24 upset victory over the then-No. 1 Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa in 2012.
Smart’s portrayal of Manziel reflects how the former Texas A&M quarterback will be remembered. Manziel was a phenomenal player who won the Heisman Trophy but struggled with off-field issues that ultimately hindered his NFL career.
Now 32, Manziel appears to be out of football for good. He was the focus of a well-received Netflix documentary in 2023, where he shared some deeply personal insights. Recently, he made headlines again after ending his relationship with his high-profile girlfriend earlier this month.
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