No more “Money Manziel”

After a rookie season so surrounded by turmoil that Johnny Manziel checked himself into rehab, it seems the often-boisterous second year quarterback is finally starting to get it. The NFL is a job, and if he hopes to have one for long, he can’t treat life like a frat party as he did in college.

While there’s still plenty for Manziel to work on both on and off of the field, it seems the second-year quarterback is prepared to leave the flash behind him with the partying, and that’s another sign that it might finally be sinking in for Manziel.

After often shrugging off suggestions that he was too brash for a quarterback or team leader, Manziel now sees the impact his perception has on his teammates, and it’s why he says, the money sign, is out.

“The money sign will not be back,” Manziel said during Browns’ mini camp this week.

“It’s not fair for (Pro-Bowl cornerback) Joe Haden to be having to answer questions about me every day,” admitted Manziel. “It’s not fair for (All-Pro offensive tackle) Joe Thomas and all these guys to just continue to have questions asked about me. I don’t think that’s fair at all and I don’t want that on them.”

Whether Manziel’s new commitment to football and to his teammates will relate to on the field success remains to be seen, but it’s very positive to see him taking steps in the right direction.

While many will continue to poke fun at Manziel, he should be commended for taking steps to turn his career around before it’s too late. Unlike many before him, Manziel didn’t have to hit rock bottom to seek help, and his issue was immaturity, not violent crime or something malicious.

In a few short months, Manziel has seemingly begun to figure it out. This might not be his last mistake or immature moment, but it sure looks like he’s taking his football career seriously, and you have to commend him for that. The young man once known as “Money Manziel,” just wants to be known as Johnny now, and he’s gone from being someone incredibly difficult to root for, to someone you should be rooting for.

Good for you, Johnny.

Eric Weddle: “Obvious I’m not in Chargers long term plans.”

Eric Weddle is one of the best safeties in the NFL, but he’s unhappy with his contract situation with the San Diego Chargers, and Tuesday decided to take one last shot at the team before announcing he wouldn’t be addressing his contract situation again, and that he’d be moving on from San Diego after the season if a deal is not reached before mini camp.

Weddle didn’t only accuse San Diego of leaving him out of their long term plans, the beginning of his prepared statement basically accused the Chargers of lying about the negotiations, or lack of negotiations, according to Weddle.

“Contrary to what has recently been said by upper management, there has never been any financial numbers discussed and the Chargers have never put an offer on the table for us to consider,” Weddle read from his prepared statement. “It is obvious to me I am not part of this organization’s long-term plans. The NFL is a business, and I can accept that. I just wish the organization had been upfront with me from day one.”

It’s hard to imagine how San Diego and Weddle come to terms on an agreement after Weddle’s statement, which should make for an interesting season in San Diego. Weddle however insists the Chargers will still get the very best out of him.

“That said, I have been working my tail off to prepare for the upcoming season, and I feel amazing. I am extremely excited about re-joining my teammates today and getting back to the practice field and working to bring a Super Bowl trophy to San Diego.

“From a contract standpoint, if we do not agree to a multi-year extension before training camp, I have instructed my agent to not speak to the Chargers again. I will give this team everything I have this year and head to free agency in 2016. This will be the one and only time I will discuss my contract, and I look forward to focusing on football.”

Whether it’s his desire to win a Super Bowl for the city of San Diego, or if it’s just because he’s playing for a new deal, it’s clear the Chargers will get full effort out of Weddle in 2015, even if it is an uncomfortable situation. For Weddle, he’s clearly entering the season with a chip on his shoulder, and a desire to work hard for his teammates, if not for his organization.

“I always play to be the best,” Weddle said. “It’s not like the situation I’m in will make me work any harder … It’s unfortunate, but you have to move on, have to be professional. That’s what I plan on doing, giving my all for my teammates.”

While San Diego would probably disagree with Weddle’s comments that he’s not in their long term plans, it seems evident they’ll have to get the deal done before training camp if they don’t want the Pro-Bowl safety to test the free agent waters in 2016.

“I’m past emotions,” Weddle said. “Early on, I was (emotional). But it can happen to anyone. Right now, it’s my last year (with the Chargers). I’m going to make the most of it … I’m really fine with it. It hurt early on, but it’s a business. You never think it will happen to you, but it is. I have to make the most it, enjoy my teammates.

“I’ve said my side, they’ve obviously stated theirs. I’m here to have the best season ever for a safety and move on from there.”

Julio Jones: “I’m not holding out”

Like a lot of players nearing the end of their rookie deals, Atlanta Falcons receiver Julio Jones is looking for a new long term deal after proving he’s everything the Falcons hoped he would be when they moved up 21 spots to draft him in the first round.

In Jones’ most recent comments at Falcons mini camp this week, it’s clear that he’s not just the athlete the Falcons hoped they had drafted in 2011, he’s a great teammate. While Jones would like a new deal, he’s committed to being there throughout the process.

“Jimmy Sexton, he’s going to negotiate that with [general manager] Thomas [Dimitroff] and [Falcons owner] Mr. [Arthur] Blank. That’s the side they handle. My side, I’ve got to handle on the football field. I’ve got to keep showing up every day and putting in work.”

It’s a quote that general managers and head coaches around the NFL would probably love to hang in their locker rooms as a reminder to their players of what the ideal NFL teammate would be. While holding out is a player’s only real leverage in negotiations, clubs would surely appreciate it if more players looked at the situation like Jones.

“I haven’t been watching other people,” Jones said. “All I can do is take care of me. I’m going to let [the Falcons] take care of that side of it. If they say be here at this time, I’m going to be there. I’m going to be accountable.

“I’m not going to hold out for anything. My teammates need me. I’m being selfish if I’m not here and doing what I need to do.”

At a position where the word diva gets thrown out a lot, the Falcons clearly have a young man on their hands that couldn’t be further from that title, and it’s that attitude and commitment to team that will likely get Jones the contract that he deserves.