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The Cleveland Browns are such a trainwreck of an organization that Johnny Manziel — a first-round National Football League after just two seasons due to substance abuse struggles and other issues — isn’t even the most controversial quarterback they’ve employed in the last decade. That unfortunate distinction, of course, belongs to Deshaun Watson.
Obviously, while Manziel deserves a majority of the blame for how his career ultimately panned out, it’s not like he was given the most promising of launching pads considering he was drafted by the highly dysfunctional Browns.
Still, as a viral photo has recently reminded fans, Manziel was certainly given the tools to succeed when it came to coaching, as he was under the tutelage of both San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, who are widely considered to be some of the brightest offensive minds in the game.
— Mars (@MarsFrmCle) January 15, 2023
Since Manziel was the team’s starting QB in 2015, the Browns have gone through another 12 signal callers: Austin Davis, Cody Kessler, Rober Griffin III, Josh McCown, DeShone Kizer, Kevin Hogan, Baker Mayfield, Tyrod Taylor, Case Keenum, Nick Mullens, Jacoby Brissett, and Deshaun Watson.
While Mayfield, who the Browns selected with the #1 overall pick in the 2018 draft, was able to lead the franchise to their first playoff win in decades, the former Heisman winner’s progress ultimately flamed out and he was traded to the Carolina Panthers after the Browns acquired Watson from the Texans (and gave him a fully guaranteed $230 million contract).
Following his return from suspension — Watson was infamously suspended by the league for 11 games following over 20 separate accusations of sexual misconduct/assault — the Browns won three of the six games that he started, as they beat the Texans, Ravens, and Commanders, and lost to the Bengals, Saints, and Steelers. During the 2022 season, Watson completed 58% of his passes for seven touchdowns and five interceptions.