Glory Daze with Johnny Manziel

This week on Glory Daze, Johnny is joined by Wisconsin and Chargers legend, Melvin Gordon. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation between two college football icons as they share stories about their times on and off the field. First, Johnny and Melvin dive into how the NFL has historically underpaid running backs and how they are undervalued throughout the league. This leads to a conversation about Melvin’s debacle of leaving the Chargers and ultimately having no choice but to play for the Broncos. To reflect on greener pastures, Melvin talks about his 2014 season and how he came just short of breaking Barry Sanders’ rushing record. He was also the runner-up for the 2014 Heisman Trophy, which argues the question if he was overlooked for playing with the Badgers.  Following up, Melvin shares stories about Philip Rivers and what it was like to play with one of the all-time greats at the Quarterback position. Melvin credits a lot of his improvement in his early career to Philip and how he taught him how to be a complete back. Melvin cherished his time with the Chargers and the teammates he got to share the field with.  To wrap the conversation up, Melvin talks about his transition from football into new endeavors. He is apart of the brand “Vibez Golf Club”, which he is running with some of his great friends to change the way golf is viewed. The goal is to unbutton the traditional mindset of golf being a status sport and allowing the younger generation to enjoy the game in their own way. Johnny and Melvin talk about the ongoing Tiger Woods saga and bring attention to Tiger’s mental health and how he might need help from those around him. Finally, Melvin answers the One Word Question that describes his Glory Daze.  Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 1:27 - How RB’s are Underpaid 5:45 - Going to Denver 11:16 - PrizePicks Ad 12:38 - Melvin’s 2014 Season 19:04 - Wisconsin RB’s 20:49 - Heisman Race with Mariota 23:18 - Playing with Philip Rivers and the Chargers 31:54 - Lucy Ad 33:21 - Vibez Golf Club 36:43 - Transition Out of Football 42:39 - How Golf has Grown 48:15 - Tiger Woods 52:11 - One Word Question Follow @VibezGolfClub https://www.instagram.com/vibezgolfclub/  Thanks to our Sponsors: Presented by PrizePicks: Use code JOHNNY. Play $5 Get $50 in lineups. https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/JOHNNY LUCY: Find LUCY near you at lucy.co/stores, or save 20% on your first online order at lucy.co/JOHNNY with promo code JOHNNY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us for a captivating conversation between former SEC foes, Johnny Manziel and CJ Mosley. The pair reflects on their battles against each other, their time in the league, and what their lives look like after hanging up the pads.  To kick things off, Johnny asks CJ about their famous 2012 matchup and how Johnny knocked off the #1 ranked Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa. CJ shares a hilarious story about Johnny’s “Heisman moment” play and what it looked like from his perspective. Then, CJ reflects on his time at Alabama and how it instilled beneficial characteristics that have shaped his life on and off the field. Next, Johnny digs into CJ’s experiences getting drafted to the Ravens and what it was like filling the shoes of the legendary Ray Lewis. CJ dives into his career and what it was like to play for the Ravens and Jets and the differences with the organizations and his role on the team. With the recent head coaching changes across the league, Johnny picks CJ’s brain about two of his former coaches, Robert Saleh and John Harbaugh.  Then, CJ tells Johnny about the adversity he faced in his career, dealing with injuries and ultimately having to opt out of the COVID season and what it was like to return to the field. With these experiences, CJ was able to become a great leader and help the next generation of players learn what it takes to be a professional football player. Using this knowledge, CJ has built his own agency, Legacy Trust Sports Group. This gives CJ an amazing opportunity to stay involved with the game while giving young players some of the best representation out there.  Wrapping things up, Johnny asks CJ to give one word to define his playing career and how it still applies to him in his post-playing life. Johnny also shows off his new pet ducks for a sweet ending to this episode of Glory Daze.  Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 1:33 - Texas A&M vs. Alabama 6:34 - Toughest Players to Play Against 7:57 - PrizePicks Ad 9:08 - Being an SEC Legend 10:47 - Becoming a Role Model 19:03 - Getting Drafted 20:16 - Playing for the Ravens & Jets 25:18 - Robert Saleh 28:07 - John Harbaugh 29:59 - Maxx Crosby 32:00 - Ultra Pouches Ad 33:27 - Battling Adversity 35:21 - Advice to Younger Players 37:44 - Leaving a Legacy 41:45 - Legacy Trust Sports Group 46:40 - One Word Question + Johnny’s Ducks Thanks to our Sponsors: Presented by PrizePicks: Use code JOHNNY. Play $5 Get $50 in lineups. https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/JOHNNY Ultra Pouches: Don’t sleep on [@ultrapouches]. New customers get 15% Off with code JOHNNY at takeultra.com! #UltraPouches #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Johnny for another solo pod where he gives his thoughts on the craziness of the NFL offseason, the NBA, the World Baseball Classic, and more.  First, he dives into the Maxx Crosby debacle with the Ravens and the ramifications that have stemmed from it and how it will affect the Raiders and the rest of the league. Then, Johnny talks about the controversial ‘Magic City Night’ for the Atlanta Hawks and how the NBA needs to focus on improving their product. Johnny then takes some time to answer a question from the comments about Texas A&M and Marcel Reed.  Next, he talks about the new opportunity for his legendary teammate, Mike Evans, and how he will have an immediate impact for the 49ers. To continue the NFL conversation, Johnny dives into the QB market and how the landing spots will fare for Kyler Murray, Tua Tagovailoa, Daniel Jones, Malik Willis, Geno Smith, and more. To wrap the episode up, Then, he breaks down the World Baseball Classic and how Team USA has an amazing opportunity to win the tournament. Finally, Johnny gives his flowers to the Men's and Women’s US Hockey teams and how they have made the entire country proud.  Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 1:46 - Glory Daze Update 3:09 - Maxx Crosby Trade Falling Through 9:39 - PrizePicks Ad 10:19 - Magic City Night 12:15 - Texas A&M & Marcel Reed 17:13 - Lucy Ad 18:48 - Kyler Murray 20:14 - Mike Evans 21:34 - NFL QB’s in Free Agency 25:41 - World Baseball Classic 26:50 - USA Hockey 28:20 - Conclusion Thanks to our Sponsors: Presented by PrizePicks: Use code JOHNNY. Play $5 Get $50 in lineups. https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/JOHNNY LUCY: Find LUCY near you at lucy.co/stores, or save 20% on your first online order at lucy.co/JOHNNY with promo code JOHNNY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Current Texas A&M Star Quarterback, Marcel Reed joins the former Texas A&M Star Quarterback Johnny Manziel for a captivating conversation. The pair reflects on their relationship, last season, the upcoming season, and what goes into being the starting QB at a school like Texas A&M. First, Marcel and Johnny recap the big moments from the 2025 season. Marcel shares his experience from beating Notre Dame in South Bend and how it catapulted the Aggies through the season. Then, they chat about the craziness that was the South Carolina game and how the Ags overcame the deficit to win that game.  Next, Johnny digs into what it’s like to play football at Texas A&M now compared to when he was there. Marcel shares what he has been working on in the offseason and his experience training with the project #1 Pick, Fernando Mendoza. He also tells Johnny about his love for playing road games and how it fuels him to make the big plays.  Finally, Johnny asks Marcel about his experience playing in the NIL era and how A&M is giving players resources for players to be fiscally responsible. Then, Marcel shares how the Aggies have reloaded their roster with new players to fill the gaps from players leaving for the NFL. To conclude the conversation, Johnny asks Marcel for one word to define him and his career.  Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 1:53 - Marcel & Johnny’s Relationship 4:01 - Winning at Notre Dame 6:47 - PrizePicks Ad 7:15 - Playing for Coach Elko 8:49 - Comeback Against South Carolina 12:40 - Texas A&M vs. Texas 18:21 - Playing at Texas A&M 20:40 - Offseason Focuses 24:18 - Marcel’s Heisman Campaign 27:43 - Training with Fernando Mendoza 29:52 - Playing on the Road 30:55 - Being Recruited by Lane Kiffin 32:11 - Jimbo Fisher’s Firing 34:25 - Playing in the NIL Era 38:47 - Navigating being the Star QB 44:01 - Reloading the Roster 49:01 - Representing Texas A&M 50:55 - One Word Question Thanks to our Sponsor: Presented by PrizePicks: Use code JOHNNY. Play $5 Get $50 in lineups. https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/JOHNNY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mark Ingram joins Johnny for a captivating conversation about his legendary career. The pair talks about the days in the SEC, their predictions for the 2026 season, Mark’s new career with Big Noon, and much more.  First, Johnny congratulates Mark on his selection into the College Football Hall of Fame. They reflect on the moments that led to this selection and how Mark is forever immortalized in College Football history. They touch on notable players who have been snubbed like Cam Newton, and how the selection process has been potentially compromised by personal vendettas.  Next, Mark and Johnny talk shop about the 2026 CFB season. They address the mess that the game is currently in with the transfer portal and NIL payments and how they would put an end to the debacle that is College Football in 2026. The guys also give their early predictions for the National Championship and Heisman Trophy. The conversation shifts into Mark and Johnny’s careers. They share amazing stories about players they competed with and against, along with the memories they cherish most from their college careers. To conclude the CFB conversation, they relive Mark’s legendary Heisman win and the key moments of the 2009 season that led to the victory.  Finally, Johnny digs into Mark’s NFL career. He touches on getting drafted by the Saints and getting brought into a team with countless NFL legends and how it set a foundation for his career being surrounded by greatness. Mark then talks about his stint with the Ravens and playing with Lamar Jackson. With his veteran presence, Mark got to watch Lamar blossom into a superstar.  To wrap the conversation up, Mark talks about his show, The Triple Option, which he co-hosts with Urban Meyer and Rob Stone. Finally, Mark answers the traditional One Word Question with an authentic response that only Mark Ingram could deliver.  Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 1:33 - Mark’s CFB Hall of Fame Selection 8:39 - PrizePicks Ad 9:13 - Cam Newton 11:48 - Urban Meyer 13:33 - Changes in CFB 22:47 - 2026 CFB Predictions 27:42 - Ryan Williams 31:31 - Lucy Ad 32:52 - 2026 Heisman Predictions 36:09 - Best Players Johnny & Mark Played With & Against 42:45 - Mark’s Upbringing 46:30 - Mark’s Legendary Heisman Win 51:56 - Getting Drafted by the Saints 54:56 - Playing with Lamar Jackson 58:39 - The Triple Option 59:46 - One Word Question The Triple Option Show: https://www.youtube.com/@3xOptionShow Thanks to our Sponsors: Presented by PrizePicks: Use code JOHNNY. Play $5 Get $50 in lineups. https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/JOHNNY LUCY: Find LUCY near you at lucy.co/stores, or save 20% on your first online order at lucy.co/JOHNNY with promo code JOHNNY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Johnny for a special Solo Episode where he lets it rip and speaks his mind in classic Johnny fashion. He dives deep into the current (dismal?!?!?) state of College Football, the NFL Combine, Free Agency, and the Top Prospects in this year's Draft.  First, Johnny dives into College Football and talks about the changes that need to be made to the Transfer Portal, NIL, and CFP Expansion. Johnny believes there needs to be someone in charge like Nick Saban, who can oversee CFB as a whole and guide it into the right direction. With all of the money and transferring, the future of College Football is looking like it's about to hit a breaking point.  Next, Johnny touches on the upcoming NFL combine and how he sees the draft playing out. He breaks down the QB’s of the draft and gives his thoughts on the best opportunities for guys like Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson, Garrett Nussmeier, and he mentions his 40 time combine wager with Diego Pavia.  Finally, Johnny talks about his life and how his year has been up to this point. He brings up the importance of mental health and how he uses his circle to be open about struggles and make sure he is in the right place to attack what life throws at him.  Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 2:18 - How to Fix College Football 10:28 - PrizePicks Ad 11:06 - NFL Combine Breakdown 16:48 - Perseverance in QB’s 18:09 - NFL Offseason 20:31 - Rula Ad 22:01 - Dysfunction in Sports 25:22 - The Importance of Mental Health 31:26 - One Word Question Thanks to our Sponsors: Presented by PrizePicks: Use code JOHNNY. Play $5 Get $50 in lineups. https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/JOHNNY Rula: Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/JOHNNY  #rulapod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trent Richardson joins Johnny for a nostalgic conversation between two SEC legends. Trent and Johnny share the experience of being at the top of the college football world, being 1st round draft picks, and playing in the defunct Alliance of American Football. This episode will bring you back to arguably the greatest and purest era of college football.  To kick it off, Trent and Johnny break down the Super Bowl and what allowed the Seahawks to dominate. Trent and Johnny give their flowers to Kenneth Walker and the Seattle run game and how it wore down the New England defense. Trent compares the game to the Alabama vs. LSU battles of the 2011-12 season and how the physicality in the trenches determined the results. The conversation shifts to their post-NFL careers in dysfunctional leagues like the AAF and the CFL. As two of the biggest names in the AAF, they share the crazy story of how the league folded midseason. Trent follows up with how important fatherhood is to him and how he had to stop playing in Canada to be there for his children.  Next, Trent and Johnny dive into Nick Saban and how he made the Alabama program the blueprint for success in college football. Trent shares stories from his time in Tuscaloosa and how that culture taught him how to be successful in all aspects of his life. Coach Saban created a hyper-competitive environment where everything is earned, whereas present day Alabama has lost its identity with the departure of the legendary coach.  To conclude the conversation, the pair shares their thoughts on the “bust” label and how other people’s opinions do not define their career. Trent brings light to how many hardships he overcame in his life and how he created a better life for himself and his family because of what he achieved on the field.  Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 3:15 - Super Bowl Breakdown 9:06 - PrizePicks Ad 9:42 - The Chaos of the AAF 17:30 - Fatherhood & Family 21:57 - Playing for Nick Saban & Alabama 33:39 - What’s Wrong with Football in 2026 40:57 - Playing Behind Mark Ingram 43:39 - Lucy Ad 45:01 - Recruiting Stories 51:09 - Getting Drafted by the Browns 54:13 - The “Bust” Label vs. True Success 1:03:30 - One Word Question of the Week Thanks to our Sponsors: Presented by PrizePicks: Use code JOHNNY. Play $5 Get $50 in lineups. https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/JOHNNY LUCY: Find LUCY near you at lucy.co/stores, or save 20% on your first online order at lucy.co/JOHNNY with promo code JOHNNY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jake Plummer joins Johnny for a captivating conversation between two men that have always been true to themselves. Jake and Johnny chat about their admiration for each other, how they harness their competitive spirit outside football, and the transition into life after football.  From there, Jake shares how his career was fueled by his passion for the game and staying true to himself. He believes in using that dedication and commitment to the craft during the season, but also the importance of other passions outside the game.  Johnny and Jake dive into the resurgence of Sam Darnold' s career, Super Bowl 60, and how Seattle and New England matchup against each other. They then dive deeper into how elite coaching can revitalize an organization and create sustainable success with overlooked players like Sam Darnold, Baker Mayfield, and Brock Purdy.  The conversation shifts into Jake’s thoughts on his career and how he treats his legacy. He shares a unique perspective, his legacy is his life. Jake believes it will continue to change with every new challenge he faces and attacks life with the same attitude of his playing days. This sparks Johnny to share his beliefs and how he uses positivity to become the best version of himself.  Jake concludes with the importance of health and wellness. He shares his beliefs of using functional mushrooms and how they can benefit individuals from football players to your everyday average Joe. With the creation of his mushroom brand Umbo, he has become a trailblazer in this field and a prominent figure in the growth of the practice.  Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 1:54 - Life Outside of Football 4:39 - The Next Generation of Football 9:16 - PrizePicks Ad 11:07 - Super Bowl Breakdown 20:33 - Playing for Elite Coaches 25:33 - Matt Stafford & the End of a Career 30:30 - Lucy Ad 31:50 - Playing for the Broncos & Building a Legacy 36:47 - Health & Wellness 44:28 - How the NFL Sticks with You 46:40 - The Change of QB Play in the NFL 51:39 - Jake & Functional Mushrooms 56:06 - One Word Question Thanks to our Sponsors: Presented by PrizePicks: Use code JOHNNY. Play $5 Get $50 in lineups. https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/JOHNNY LUCY: Find LUCY near you at lucy.co/stores, or save 20% on your first online order at lucy.co/JOHNNY with promo code JOHNNY Umbo: Jake Plummer's Mushroom https://getumbo.com/ GDAZE15 for 15% off your first order Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Diego Pavia sits down with Johnny for a conversation that feels more like two boys catching up than a formal interview. They start by talking about how their paths first crossed, how that friendship formed, and what it’s like watching each other navigate the chaos that comes with big moments and bigger expectations in football. From there, Diego opens up about his college journey — the late nights, the pressure, the energy of being that guy on campus, and how wild things can get when you’re winning and the spotlight keeps getting brighter. He reflects on the season that put him on the national map, the doubts people still had, and the frustration of feeling overlooked when the Heisman conversation came around. The conversation then turns to the NFL Draft and the strange in-between stage Diego finds himself in — training, waiting, hearing feedback, and trying to tune out the noise while his future hangs in the balance. Johnny relates, drawing parallels to his own pre-draft experience and the emotional whiplash that comes with projections, expectations, and uncertainty. They talk about confidence, chip-on-the-shoulder motivation, and how being counted out can either break you or fuel you. The episode is honest, loose, and grounded — less about hot takes and more about brotherhood, resilience, and what it really feels like to chase the next level after a wild college football run. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 2:35 - Johnny & Diego’s Relationship 4:39 - Achieving 2025 Season Goals 6:01 - Highs and Lows 7:20 - Beating Alabama & Becoming a Star 9:40 - PrizePicks Ad 10:51 - Friendship with Theo Von 12:45 - 3 People Johnny Wanted to Party With 13:34 - The Heisman Ceremony & Learning from Mistakes 16:16 - Media & Narratives 17:31 - Becoming an NFL Player 19:34 - NIL & Declaring for the Draft 22:23 - NCAA Eligibility 26:14 - Rula Ad 27:28 - Johnny’s Texas A&M vs. Diego’s Vanderbilt 29:49 - Diego’s Impact on the Vanderbilt Program 33:22 - Jay Cutler’s Advice to Diego 34:56 - Jared Curtis Committing to Vanderbilt 37:31 - Diego’s Relationship with Jerry Kill 39:59 - Ultra Pouches Ad 41:07 - Playing JUCO  42:40 - Johnny’s Introduction to Drake 44:47 - Johnny’s Advice & Preparing for the Draft 52:00 - PrizePicks One Word Question Thanks to our Sponsors: Presented by PrizePicks: Use code JOHNNY. Play $5 Get $50 in lineups. https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/JOHNNY Rula: Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/JOHNNY  #rulapodUltra Pouches: Don’t sleep on [@ultrapouches]. New customers get 15% Off with code JOHNNY at takeultra.com! #UltraPouches #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Johnny Manziel joins Darren Waller for an in-depth conversation that explores football, personal challenges, and life beyond the game. They start by talking about Mike McDaniel getting fired and how it’s another reminder of how quickly things can shift in the NFL, even when things seem stable from the outside. From there, they trade stories from their own careers. Johnny reflects on his time with the Browns — the pressure, the expectations, and how fast life comes at you once you’re in the league. Darren talks about his path from Georgia Tech to the Raiders to the Giants to the Dolphins, and how each stop brought a different set of challenges both on and off the field. They also get into playing with Tua Tagovailoa, what it’s like to be in a locker room built around a franchise quarterback, and how leadership and trust develop over time. The conversation turns to Antonio Brown and Jon Gruden and that INSANE Raiders team. Darren speaks openly about his struggles with addiction and how they impacted his career and personal life, while Johnny reflects on his own mistakes and the perspective that came from them. The episode is thoughtful and real, focused less on headlines and more on lessons, growth, and figuring out life after football. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 1:52 - Growing as a Person 5:22 - Coming out of Retirement 6:36 - Mike McDaniel Firing 8:49 - PrizePicks Ad 9:41 - Tua Tagovailoa’s Future 12:41 - Mike McDaniel’s Play Designs 16:40 - Stepping away from the Game 20:29 - Coming back to the NFL 24:08 - Overcoming Addiction 28:13 - LUCY Ad 29:31 - Substance Abuse and Addiction 35:06 - Joining the Raiders 37:44 - Johnny Living with Jon Gruden 39:26 - Playing for Jon Gruden and Building Self-confidence 42:31 - Playing with Jason Witten 43:49 - Brock Bowers 44:58 - Maxx Crosby and the Raiders 46:15 - Overcoming Mental Health Struggles 53:05 - PrizePicks One Word Question Thanks to our Sponsors: Presented by PrizePicks: Use code JOHNNY. Play $5 Get $50 in lineups. https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/JOHNNY LUCY: Find LUCY near you at lucy.co/stores, or save 20% on your first online order at lucy.co/JOHNNY with promo code JOHNNY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices