Manziel touted to be a top overall pick in the NFL Draft this year.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer has revealed that he is concerned after “flags” came up after the team met with NFL prospect Johnny Manziel for a private workout.
After making the headlines with his pro day last week, the celebrity status surrounding the former Texas A&M quarterback appears to be an area of concern, particularly for Zimmer.
With the likes of former president George W. Bush in attendance, Manziel put on quite the show as he came out to music from Drake being blasted through the building before appearing in camouflage shorts as well as helmet and shoulder pads.
Inevitably, that all caused quite the stir ahead of what was an impressive pro day, but Zimmer has reservations over the “sideshow”, and is more interested in whether or not Manziel will have the commitment and dedication to lead a franchise and become the best on the field while blocking out all the fame and fortune that comes with it.
The Vikings met with the prospect on Friday, and with the No.8 pick they are widely expected to draft a quarterback with several options on the board.
“We asked him all kinds of questions. … There are some flags that come up,” said Zimmer, as reported by ESPN.
“All of the things that happened out in Los Angeles, the commercials and all that stuff … the position of quarterback in the NFL is such an important position and the reason these guys need to be a totally football-minded guy is the pressure of the position and being the face of an NFL team and doing everything right. That’s the thing you want to know about him — will he be into work early every single day? Will he be the last to leave? Will he be the guy that is working the hardest to get better?
Manziel was suspended for the first half of last season after the NCAA investigated him for allegedly signing autographs for a memorabilia dealer, and while he has made a conscious effort to move away from the “Johnny Football” persona, it continues to be a sticking point for some.
Critics have insisted that he may well turn out to be a bust, and Zimmer undoubtedly has reservations over whether or not he can be the next great quarterback that the league will see.
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