Glory Daze with Johnny Manziel

Almost Friday Media
  • 5.0 (2)
  • FOOTBALL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Glory Daze with Johnny Manziel is an interview series from Almost Friday Media that celebrates and explores the most nostalgic eras in sports. Hosted by former Heisman Trophy winner and infamous first-round pick, Johnny will sit down with some of the most iconic and legendary names in sports for authentic conversations, look backs, and more. Like coming home and watching Tavon Austin and John Wall highlights with your buddies at 4 AM, these conversations will dive into the glory of sports’ biggest stages and the adversity that often accompanies them. Welcome back to the glory days.

  1. Johnny Manziel Hates The Transfer Portal & Slams The Lack Of Leadership Plaguing College Football

    10H AGO

    Johnny Manziel Hates The Transfer Portal & Slams The Lack Of Leadership Plaguing College Football

    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

    35 min
  2. Johnny Manziel and Trent Richardson on Nick Saban, The "Bust" Tag, & Getting Drafted To The Browns

    FEB 12

    Johnny Manziel and Trent Richardson on Nick Saban, The "Bust" Tag, & Getting Drafted To The Browns

    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

    1h 8m
  3. Johnny Manziel and Jake Plummer Dive Into Super Bowl 60, Taking Mushrooms, & Mike Vrabel Being Dirty

    FEB 5

    Johnny Manziel and Jake Plummer Dive Into Super Bowl 60, Taking Mushrooms, & Mike Vrabel Being Dirty

    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

    1h 1m
  4. Johnny Manziel and Diego Pavia on Their Polarizing Friendship, Heisman Snub, & NIL Paydays

    JAN 23

    Johnny Manziel and Diego Pavia on Their Polarizing Friendship, Heisman Snub, & NIL Paydays

    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

    55 min
  5. Johnny Manziel and Darren Waller on Mike McDaniel's Firing, Tua's Future, and Overcoming Addiction

    JAN 15

    Johnny Manziel and Darren Waller on Mike McDaniel's Firing, Tua's Future, and Overcoming Addiction

    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

    57 min
  6. Johnny Manziel Tells All On Missing College GameDay, Touring With Drake, & Friendship w/ Diego Pavia

    JAN 8

    Johnny Manziel Tells All On Missing College GameDay, Touring With Drake, & Friendship w/ Diego Pavia

    Johnny Manziel sits down for a rare solo episode and opens up in a way fans haven’t heard before. Johnny starts by explaining why he missed College GameDay, speaking honestly about the circumstances and decisions that led to him not being there. He also talks about wanting to bring his Heisman Trophy on the show, while reflecting on his relationship with Texas A&M and what that time in his life still means to him today. From there, Johnny dives into stories from this past summer touring with Drake, sharing what it was like being back around that world, experiencing the spotlight again, and viewing it all through a much more grounded lens than earlier in his career. Johnny also touches on his role as a mentor, opening up about working with quarterback Diego Pavia and what it’s meant to help guide a younger player through the pressures of college football. He reflects on how that mentorship has given him perspective, allowed him to pass on lessons he learned the hard way, and shown him how much he’s grown since his playing days. Most importantly, Johnny gets real about his career, the choices he made, and the lessons that followed. He opens up about the highs, the mistakes, and the personal growth that’s come since, giving listeners a vulnerable look at where his life stands now and where he hopes it’s headed next. Honest and reflective, this episode captures Johnny Manziel in a moment of real self-examination as he continues to navigate his next chapter. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 1:33 - Johnny’s 2025 Reflection 2:50 - Why Johnny missed College Gameday 10:10 - PrizePicks Ad 11:01 - Johnny’s Current Relationship with Texas A&M 14:50 - Touring with Drake 20:03 - 3CHI Ad 21:16 - Mentoring Diego Pavia 24:11 - CFP Semifinals Predictions 27:30 - Changes Needed in College Football 30:22 - GLD Ad 31:42 - Being on ‘Special Forces’ 33:50 - Johnny’s Goals for 2026 & Moving to Nashville 35:42 - Johnny’s OT7 Team 37:25 - Johnny’s Mental Health 39:05 - One Word to Define Johnny’s Glory Days Thanks to our Sponsors: Presented by PrizePicks: Use code JOHNNY. Play $5 Get $50 in lineups. https://link.prizepicks.com/LME0/johnny 3Chi: Head to 3CHI.com and take the product quiz to find your perfect fit. Use code Johnny at 3chi.com for 30% off storewide! GLD: New customers get 50% Off with code JOHNNY at GLD.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    42 min
  7. Johnny Manziel & Pacman Jones on the Steve Smith Beef, Playing High, and Jerry Jones’ Secrets

    12/11/2025

    Johnny Manziel & Pacman Jones on the Steve Smith Beef, Playing High, and Jerry Jones’ Secrets

    Adam “Pacman” Jones joins the show to look back on one of the most eventful and talked-about careers the league has seen. Pac shares why he still believes he was better than Devin Hester as a returner, breaking down the instincts and explosiveness that made him so dangerous with the ball in his hands, along with the plays that defined that part of his legacy. He digs into his years in Cincinnati, unpacking life inside those Bengals teams — from playing alongside Vontaze Burfict to navigating the highs, lows, and constant turbulence that came with that era. Pac explains how the locker room worked, the personalities that fueled those runs, and the emotional swings that made those teams unforgettable. He also dives into the AFC North rivalries that shaped his career, especially the Steelers and Ravens games that felt more intense and personal than anything else on the schedule. Pac then looks back at his time around Jerry Jones and the Cowboys, sharing stories from a chapter that was short, loud, and memorable — starting with the moment Dallas traded for him and the whirlwind that followed. Straightforward, sharp, and filled with stories only Pacman can tell, this episode gives a real look at the moments, rivalries, and people that defined his NFL journey — from the highlights to the chaos and everything in between. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 1:20 - Steve Smith Beef 4:09 - Von Miller & O.T. Genasis 5:14 - Playing High 9:06 - Playing with AJ Green 9:53 - PrizePicks Ad 10:47 - Vontaze Burfict & 2010’s Bengals D 14:16 - Vontaze Burfict’s hit on AB 16:05 - AFC North Rivalry Games 18:11 - Shedeur Sanders vs. Cleveland Media 20:52 - Myles Garrett 21:29 - 3CHI ad 22:42 - Vance Joseph 26:08 - Pacman’s Authenticity 28:18 - Jerry Jones’ Secrets 29:45 - Dealing with a Neck Injury 31:28 - Early Career with the Titans & Jeff Fisher 33:58 - Devin Hester 36:52 - LenDale White 39:02 - NFL Hot Seats 40:56 - Politely Raw! with Pacman Jones 42:35 - One Word to Define Pacman Jones’ Glory Days Thanks to our Sponsors: Presented by PrizePicks: Use code JOHNNY. Play $5 Get $50 in lineups. https://link.prizepicks.com/LME0/johnny 3Chi: Head to 3CHI.com and take the product quiz to find your perfect fit. Use code Johnny at 3chi.com for 30% off storewide! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    46 min
  8. Johnny Manziel & Terrell Suggs On Freeing Myles Garrett, Ray Lewis, and Justin Tucker's Freak Status

    12/04/2025

    Johnny Manziel & Terrell Suggs On Freeing Myles Garrett, Ray Lewis, and Justin Tucker's Freak Status

    Johnny Manziel sits down with Terrell Suggs on Glory Daze for an episode packed with NFL stories. Manziel leads the conversation as Suggs breaks down the Ravens–Steelers rivalry — the hits, the trash talk, the grudges, and why those games always felt bigger than the playoffs. He reflects on facing Tom Brady in his prime and what it took to compete at the highest level while playing alongside legends like Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. Suggs also talks about Myles Garrett’s rise from rookie to unstoppable force, why he thinks Garrett should be freed from Cleveland, and what it’s like to see the next generation of stars change the game. Beyond the X’s and O’s, they dive into locker room life, the pressure of the season, and the moments fans never get to see. With candid stories, laughs, and insight from one of the game’s toughest defenders, this episode gives a full look at life in the NFL. Chapters: 0:00 - Intro 1:19 - Ray Lewis Retiring 3:59 - Ravens vs Broncos Divisional Round Game 5:29 - Ed Reed Veteran Presence 6:19 - AFC Championship vs. Tom Brady 8:29 - PrizePicks Ad 9:34 - Super Bowl XLVII vs. 49ers 12:17 - Johnny’s Ray Lewis Story 14:02 - Overcoming a Torn Achilles in the Offseason 16:16 - Justin Tucker 19:11 - Terrell’s Thoughts on the Hall of Fame 24:24 - Playing Against the Killer B’s 25:24 - Rivalry with Big Ben and the Steelers 29:55 - Joe Flacco Getting Traded within the Division 32:30 - Playing Against the Browns 36:07 - Free Myles Garrett 36:33 - Ja’Marr Chase and the Spit Controversy 39:14 - Dirtiest Players 41:07 - Willie Roaf 42:00 Moving from Minnesota to Arizona 44:00 - College Sack Record 45:37 - One Word to Define Terrell Suggs’ Glory Days Thanks to our Sponsors: Presented by PrizePicks: Use code JOHNNY. Play $5 Get $50 in lineups. https://link.prizepicks.com/LME0/johnny Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    51 min
See All (41)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Glory Daze with Johnny Manziel is an interview series from Almost Friday Media that celebrates and explores the most nostalgic eras in sports. Hosted by former Heisman Trophy winner and infamous first-round pick, Johnny will sit down with some of the most iconic and legendary names in sports for authentic conversations, look backs, and more. Like coming home and watching Tavon Austin and John Wall highlights with your buddies at 4 AM, these conversations will dive into the glory of sports’ biggest stages and the adversity that often accompanies them. Welcome back to the glory days.

Information

More From Almost Friday Media

You Might Also Like