Before the 2014 NFL season began, many were comparing Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel to Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks. Both starred in college, and have the same size and skill-set. However, things have changed since then.
Manziel's future is uncertain, as we wonder if he'll even start at QB next season. Meanwhile, Wilson is looking to win his second straight Super Bowl tonight versus the New England Patriots.
While things have changed, Seahawks quarterbacks coach Carl Smith wasn't afraid to compare the two when asked about it. Smith says that both QBs have the "it" factor.
"I didn't know how he'd be long-term," said Smith of watching Manziel at Texas A&M. "I wasn't sure about that. I hadn't delved into it because it didn't look like we were going to be involved in taking him with Russell. But what I saw on the film it was like, 'I want that guy to win a game. If I'm picking a guy to win a game, right now, today, I'm taking him."
While both have similar on-field characteristics, the off-field antics are very different.
"Besides, the 'it' factor, Smith cited Wilson's tireless work ethic, the constant note-taking, film-study, and working overtime at practice."
Manziel will have to take his craft and dedication to the team very seriously he wants to make something happen in the NFL next season. Best of luck to him in Cleveland.