Johnny Manziel has been a name to look for in every spring league that has popped-up since his departure from the NFL. He has played for the CFL, AAF and now has signed with Fan Controlled Football. Back when the XFL was ramping up towards its 2020 season a lot of fans had hoped that we would see Johnny Football get a shot in the league.
There was even a time that Manziel said he’s be open to play in the XFL, but when time came he was nowhere to be seen. Today, we’re learning that Johnny Maziel will once again hit the gridiron for another spring league. This time around, it’s the brand new FCF (Fan Controlled Football). The news was made official via the FCF social media accounts.
It's official.
We have signed Johnny Manziel. #PowerToTheFans @JManziel2
— Fan Controlled Sports (@fancontrolled) December 30, 2020
Shortly after the announcement of Manziel’s signing The Zappers owners Bob Menery and Trever May have announced that the team had elected to place the franchise tag on the incoming quarterback. This is obviously huge news for all Zappers fans out there.
Ask and you shall receive! Excited to officially welcome @JManziel2 to the @fcflio as a member of the @FCFZappers fam!
These other teams don't stand a chance pic.twitter.com/UIemGJZoYt
— Zappers (@FCFZappers) December 30, 2020
The name of the league speaks for itself. A hybrid of esports and traditional football, the 7-on-7 full-contact league will have fans set rosters, call plays and much more. The FCF intends to begin play in February.
“The more I heard about what this was going to be, the more I felt it was going to be something that was just very fun,” Manziel said. “It’s going to be very fan-oriented and something I could get behind without being extremely, extremely, extremely serious, the way that my football career has been in the past.”
The FCF of course will stand in stark contrast to other football leagues. The field will be 50 yards long with 10-yard end zones. Like the NFL, games will be 60 minutes long, but the similarities mostly end there. All FCF games will be live-streamed on Twitch and be held in a facility in Atlanta, Ga.
We’ll keep you posted as more information comes out. There are rumors that the FCF has some more surprises up there sleeve coming soon… maybe a TV deal next.