Synopsis
Untold: Johnny Football is a 2023 American documentary film directed by Ryan Duffy. The film tells the story of Johnny Manziel, the polarizing college football star who rose to fame at Texas A&M before his professional career fizzled out. The film features interviews with Manziel, his family, coaches, and teammates, and it provides a behind-the-scenes look at Manziel’s meteoric rise and precipitous fall.
Cast and Director
- Johnny Manziel
- Paul Manziel (Johnny’s father)
- Tammy Manziel (Johnny’s mother)
- Kevin Sumlin (Texas A&M head coach)
- Mike Sherman (Cleveland Browns head coach)
- Ryan Duffy (director)
Premiere Date
Untold: Johnny Football premiered on Netflix on August 11, 2023.
Story Plot
Untold: Johnny Football tells the story of Johnny Manziel, a quarterback who was once considered to be one of the most promising college football players in the country. Manziel burst onto the scene at Texas A&M in 2012, leading the Aggies to an undefeated regular season and a berth in the national championship game. Manziel was named the Heisman Trophy winner that season, and he was widely considered to be the next big thing in the NFL.
However, Manziel’s professional career never lived up to his college hype. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft, but he was released by the team after two seasons. Manziel bounced around the NFL for a few more years, but he never found sustained success. He was also arrested several times for alcohol-related offenses.
Untold: Johnny Football explores the factors that contributed to Manziel’s downfall. The film shows how Manziel’s fame and fortune went to his head, and how he struggled to handle the pressures of being a professional athlete. The film also shows how Manziel’s family and friends tried to help him, but how he ultimately made the decision to self-destruct.
Critical Response
Untold: Johnny Football has received mixed reviews from critics. Some critics have praised the film for its candid look at Manziel’s life, while others have criticized the film for being too sympathetic to Manziel.
My Review
Untold: Johnny Football is a fascinating and disturbing look at the rise and fall of a once-promising athlete. The film is not for the faint of heart, but it is a must-watch for anyone who is interested in the dark side of fame and fortune.
The film tells the story of Johnny Manziel, the polarizing college football star who rose to fame at Texas A&M before his professional career fizzled out. Manziel was a gifted quarterback with a flamboyant personality, and he quickly became a media darling. He was named the Heisman Trophy winner in 2012, and he was widely considered to be the next big thing in the NFL.
However, Manziel’s professional career never lived up to his college hype. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft, but he was released by the team after two seasons. Manziel bounced around the NFL for a few more years, but he never found sustained success. He was also arrested several times for alcohol-related offenses.
Untold: Johnny Football explores the factors that contributed to Manziel’s downfall. The film shows how Manziel’s fame and fortune went to his head, and how he struggled to handle the pressures of being a professional athlete. The film also shows how Manziel’s family and friends tried to help him, but how he ultimately made the decision to self-destruct.
The film is candid and unflinching in its depiction of Manziel’s downfall. It does not shy away from showing Manziel’s flaws and mistakes. However, the film also shows Manziel’s human side. It shows how he was a victim of his own success, and how he was ultimately unable to cope with the pressures of fame and fortune.
Untold: Johnny Football is a cautionary tale about the dangers of fame and fortune. It is a reminder that even the most talented athletes are not immune to the pitfalls of success. The film is also a reminder that it is important to handle your success with humility and to surround yourself with good people who will support you.
I highly recommend Untold: Johnny Football to anyone who is interested in the dark side of fame and fortune. It is a powerful and disturbing film that will stay with you long after you watch it.
Here are some of the things I liked about the film:
- The film was well-made and well-edited.
- The interviews with Manziel, his family, and friends were candid and revealing.
- The film did not shy away from showing Manziel’s flaws and mistakes.
- The film showed the human side of Manziel and made him sympathetic, even though he made some bad choices.
Here are some of the things I didn’t like about the film:
- The film was a bit slow at times.
- The film could have been longer and gone into more detail about Manziel’s downfall.
- The film did not offer any solutions to the problems that Manziel faced.
Overall, I thought Untold: Johnny Football was a well-made and thought-provoking film. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of fame and fortune, and it is a reminder that even the most talented athletes are not immune to the pitfalls of success. I highly recommend the film to anyone who is interested in this topic.
Life Lessons
Untold: Johnny Football can teach us a few important life lessons:
- Fame and fortune can be dangerous.
- It’s important to handle your success with humility.
- Don’t let the pressures of life get to you.
- Surround yourself with good people who will support you.
- Seek help if you’re struggling with addiction or mental health issues.
Conclusion
Untold: Johnny Football is a fascinating and disturbing look at the rise and fall of a once-promising athlete. The film is not for the faint of heart, but it is a must-watch for anyone who is interested in the dark side of fame and fortune.