Johnny Manziel Criticizes Vanderbilt, Taunts Alabama Fans During Crimson Tide Win

Johnny Manziel, the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner known for his historic upset over Alabama, attended Vanderbilt's game against the Crimson Tide in 2025, wearing a jersey supporting Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia. Throughout the game, Manziel vocally criticized Vanderbilt's defensive playcalling on social media, highlighting repeated failures against Alabama's offense. In the final minutes, Manziel provoked Alabama fans by giving a two-finger salute and later a pair of middle fingers, sparking boos and backlash from the crowd. Despite the controversy, Manziel defended his actions by recalling his past achievements at Alabama and emphasizing his support for Pavia, whom he mentors. His behavior sparked mixed reactions online, with some fans calling for him to mature, while others recognized his passion and connection to the game. The game ended with Alabama securing a 30-14 victory, with Vanderbilt struggling to maintain momentum after critical turnovers.