Sometimes loyalty pays dividends. In a conversation with fellow Texas A&M alum Von Miller on the Glory Daze podcast, Johnny Manziel recounted how his loyalty to the Aggies ultimately helped him win a massive bet on Super Bowl 50. “Funny story about this game that I never really tell anybody,” Manziel said. “I had just […]
Sometimes loyalty pays dividends. In a conversation with fellow Texas A&M alum Von Miller on the Glory Daze podcast, Johnny Manziel recounted how his loyalty to the Aggies ultimately helped him win a massive bet on Super Bowl 50.
“Funny story about this game that I never really tell anybody,” Manziel said. “I had just got cut in Cleveland, and I’m back in Dallas. I’m living in Dallas, and I remember watching the playoffs and kind of gambling on the playoffs a little bit. And when the Super Bowl came up and this matchup first came out. I was a huge Cam [Newton] guy. I’m like, ‘I’m gonna take the Panthers in this game. I just think they’re gonna win it.’
“I woke up on Super Bowl Sunday, and I’m like, ‘Man, what kind of Aggie am I? What kind of brother am I if I’m not gonna root for Denver and for Von?’ I switched my bet the day of the Super Bowl, and I was scrolling through, and I looked and I said, ‘Super Bowl MVP? Man, I gotta throw some money on Von.’ I end up watching that game and to see [you win] Super Bowl MVP — think I won like 50 or 60 grand just on that Super Bowl.”
Manziel and Miller unfortunately never crossed paths at Texas A&M. Manziel played for the Aggies from 2011-13, while Miller was in College Station from 2007-10.
However, the pair undoubtedly kept tabs on one another through the years, rooting for each other to succeed. Of course, it’s safe to assume Manziel was rooting extra hard for Miller during the Broncos’ 24-10 win over the Panthers in Super Bowl 50.
Miller gave Manziel plenty to celebrate. In the win, Miller put on one of the all-time great Super Bowl defensive performances, logging six tackles, one pass breakup, two sacks, two forced fumbles and two quarterback hurries.
One of Miller’s forced fumbles resulted in the Broncos recovering the ball in the end zone. While Manziel didn’t share any of his winnings with Miller at the time, the eight-time Pro-Bowler was compensated well for his performance.
Ahead of the following season, Miller signed a six-year, $114.5 million deal, featuring $70 million guaranteed with the Broncos. He became the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history, with the highest guaranteed salary.
Miller signed a one-year, $6.1 million contract with the Washington Commanders this offseason. Perhaps with any luck, he’ll give Manziel more to cheer about in the upcoming campaign.
Category: Football
