National Football League

Fan mania: Browns feel immediate impact of drafting QB Manziel

Published May. 9, 2014 11:38 a.m. ET

foxsports

BEREA, Ohio -- Manzielmania has hit Cleveland and Johnny Football hasn't even arrived.

The Browns sold more than 1,000 season tickets in the first hour after the team selected Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel late in the first round of the NFL draft Thursday night. The team's sales group stayed until the wee hours Friday answering phones that have barely stopped ringing.

Most Cleveland fans are overjoyed with the selection of Manziel, college football's most exciting player who made magic on the field for the Aggies. The city hasn't celebrated a championship since 1964 and there's hope Manziel can help end the drought.

Manziel isn't scheduled to get to the team's headquarters until noon, but a small group of fans was already gathering to welcome him.