Top 5 Offseason Stories: The Baltimore Ravens
July 15, 2015On the Tribe’s “Jack and Larry,” with an Author Interview
July 15, 2015In his first non-Browns public appearance since putting his “Johnny Football” persona to rest, Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel had an autograph session in College Station, Texas, the same city where he starred as a Texas A&M Aggie.
Some 350 fans came out in over 100 degree weather to meet the 2012 Heisman trophy winner. Some fans reportedly waited in line for over three hours. The fans who were lucky enough to get the chance to meet Manziel paid anywhere from 125 to 155 dollars for a ticket to meet Manziel and get an autograph.
More on the signing from College Station-based The Eagle:
Representatives from Manziel’s licensing agent — Panini Authentic — oversaw the event that cost 350 fans between $125 and $155 per ticket, depending on the size of the item being signed. It sold out in less than 24 hours on two separate occasions.
The single-file line to see “Johnny Football” wrapped around inside the store on University Drive and continued outside all the way around the building. Manziel kicked off the session a half-hour earlier than expected at 5:30 p.m. With Kanye West’s “Power” playing over the store speakers, the same way he entered Kyle Field as a player, he high-fived his way through the crowd.
Manziel is fighting for a starting quarterback job in his second NFL season. In his first season donning the brown and orange, the 22-year-old fought through assorted off-field issues, while also trying to receive playing time behind center. His lackluster rookie season did not seem to change the mindset of Aggie fans in College Station.
Michael Pickel stood at the very end of the line with a jersey in hand as the sun started to dip down, just barely out of the shade. He said his drive from Austin, the price of the ticket and the wait were all worth it.
“It’s Johnny Manziel,” Pickel said. “Why wouldn’t you come out?”
6 Comments
Totally get why Johnny would do it – grab all the money you can while folks are still waiting to throw it at you.
But standing in 100 degrees for hours after paying hundreds for an autograph from that guy? Thank you Texas, for making me feel a little better about myself.
You are welcome. It is our pleasure to serve.
sorry. My entire Texas experience is visiting relatives in Austin, which is to College Station what Berkeley is to Bakersfield, or something like that.
I don’t know, bud…some on the outside might very well be questioning fans who brave 20 degree, icy winds to watch a team go 4-12 every year. Us of the gnashed teeth variety can’t cast too many crazy stones.
No need to apologize. I thought it was funny 🙂
ha, touche.