Johnny Manziel Says NIL Era Would Make NFL Pay Cut

Johnny Manziel, the former Heisman Trophy winner and Texas A&M quarterback, has expressed that entering the NFL in his era was likely a financial pay cut compared to what he could have earned through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals in college. Manziel signed a four-year, $8.2 million rookie contract in 2014 but believes that the endorsement and NIL opportunities available to high-profile college players today would have allowed him to make more money while staying in school. He stated that if NIL had existed during his collegiate career, he would have chosen to remain in college rather than enter the NFL early, as the financial incentives now enable players to earn substantial income and consider longer college careers. Manziel also noted that the current NIL landscape allows players to set themselves up financially for the future, regardless of whether they pursue a professional career. Despite his own challenges in the NFL, Manziel believes the opportunity to earn through NIL transformed the college football experience, giving players more control over their financial prospects. His reflections highlight the significant shift in college athletics economics with NIL's introduction, which has impacted decisions about turning professional.