Johnny Manziel ‘flashes’ signs of brilliance in season debut

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel had to sit out the first half of Saturday’s opener against Rice but wasted little time making an impact once he got his chance.

Manziel entered with his team leading by only seven points, 28-21, but he quickly showed the skills and attitude that made him last year’s Heisman Trophy winner.

Three second-half Manziel touchdown passes extended the Aggies’ lead to 52-28 with nine minutes left in the game.

[Updated at 2:13 p.m.: The Aggies went on to win, 52-31, after Rice’s Chris Boswell kicked a 43-yard field goal with 2:09 remaining.]

Manziel had some fun with opposing Rice players, too, by signing “air” signatures and also rubbing his fingers together seemingly to indicate “give me some cash.”

We’re guessing Manziel was prompted by taunts from Rice players. Of course, it was Manziel who was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct. Aggies Coach Kevin Sumlin had some stern words of advice for Manziel following the antics.

Here are the video highlights.

Manziel had to sit out the first half as punishment for signing autographs he knew would be sold, an NCAA violation. The NCAA could not prove he did sign thousands of items in exchange for cash.

All things considered, though, isn’t it great that Johnny Football is back?

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