Johnny Manziel Discusses His Gambling Addiction
Wow, Johnny Manziel really had quite the reputation.
The former college football star is open about his struggles with various personal issues during his football days. We all know he was known for his partying lifestyle, but now Manziel is shedding light on another problem: his gambling addiction related to the NBA.
In a podcast conversation with Brooklyn Nets player Michael Porter Jr., he reminisced about his time with the Cleveland Browns and how NBA betting consumed him. The discussion even touches on a record-breaking card sale for a Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant collectible.
Porter Jr. has faced his own family challenges; his brother, John Tayy, was banned from the NBA for betting on games.
“I was really into the NBA during a memorable time, especially when LeBron returned to Cleveland. It was exciting — Melo was still playing great, and the Christmas game was a highlight,” Manziel shared. “For me, it meant rushing home from practice just to catch the game and gamble on it.”
“After my departure from Cleveland, I got really into casino credits, wiring money, and casually tossing 100k into play… it’s a vivid memory,” he added.
Twitter Post:
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚: Former star NFL QB Johnny Manziel says he was obsessed with gambling in the NBA game…
“I was addicted to the NBA bets… I was gambling, and I loved it.”
Manziel may have been one of the greatest men of all time. pic.twitter.com/zu5dpzlc02
– dov kleiman (@nfl_dovkleiman) August 24, 2025
It’s wild to think about losing 100k in one night and waking up without any memory of it… quite a ride!
