National Football League

Staubach believes Manziel can get football career back on track

Published Apr. 12, 2015 1:37 p.m. ET

Shawn Ramsey

Former Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel has been released from the rehab treatment center he voluntarily entered on Jan. 28, according to sources, but will he ever be able to live up to the lofty expectations set before him as the quarterback for the Cleveland Browns?

Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and Hall of Famer Roger Staubach believes that Manziel, if he did indeed have a breakthrough in his character in rehab, has the ability to be a dominant force in the NFL.

"If he really, truly gets his life back on track, his talent is Russell Wilson-type talent," Staubach told USA TODAY Sports. "So size isn't the overwhelming issue for him when you have Russell and Drew Brees winning Super Bowls at the same size. Johnny has got the arm strength. I don't know why talent-wise he still can't be a really good football player."

Staubach sees the talent, but, according to him, being a quarterback in the NFL is so much more than just having the skills to make plays on the football field, which will be Manziel's greatest hill to climb.

"You have to be more than just a talent as a quarterback," Staubach said. "You have to be mentally tough, and you have got to be a leader. And you have to transfer that to your teammates. ... I think Johnny lost the confidence of his teammates because of his personal issues. He has to get that back."

While there are reports that the Browns already are starting to look elsewhere in their long-time search for the future at the quarterback position, Staubach believes Manziel deserves a second chance to prove himself to the team.

"He has the talent to be an NFL quarterback based on the few games I saw him play; he was phenomenal on the football field," Staubach said. "I read where the Browns have already given up on him. He's a first-round draft pick. I don't think you can give up on him that quick, can you? Johnny being the competitor, he has to know he has to get his act together. There's no question about that."

Follow Shawn Ramsey on Twitter: @ShawnPRamsey

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