Manziel admits rookie mistakes

Associated Press

BEREA

Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel acknowledged he has “made some rookie mistakes” during the offseason, but doesn’t think his partying has hurt his chances of winning a starting job.

Speaking on the eve of Cleveland’s first training camp practice, Manziel briefly addressed his fraternity-guy-gone-wild behavior during the past two months when photos of him partying around the country were a weekly occurrence.

Manziel, who opened his news conference by discussing his off-field exploits, said he has spoken to Browns coach Mike Pettine and general manager Ray Farmer.

“For me, my main thing is, people within this building, my teammates, the coaching staff, the higher-ups in this organization we’ve all been on the same page,” he said. “We’ve all been good and very eager to be moving forward.”

Manziel also spoke to Pettine and Farmer about a recent photo of him holding a rolled up $20 bill, but the former Heisman Trophy winner provided no other details.

Manziel promised to conduct himself differently from here on out.

“At the end of the day, I’ve made some rookie mistakes,” he said. “There’s some things that I wish I could’ve gone back and done a little differently, but I’m continuing to move forward and trying to represent this organization in a positive manner and a positive light, so just very excited to be back in camp and it’s football 24/7 and that’s what I love doing.

“That’s what I live for and it’s what my job, so for me, I’m very excited to be back and can’t wait to get this under way.”

The former college star enters his first camp as Cleveland’s No. 2 quarterback behind Brian Hoyer, who will get all the reps with Cleveland’s starting offense during the first few days of camp.

Pettine said he believes Manziel enters camp well prepared to compete with Hoyer.

All the controversy surrounding Manziel has somewhat overshadowed Hoyer, who has worked his way back from knee surgery. The homegrown Hoyer is confident he’ll hang on to his starting job.