Johnny Manziel fans were in for a shock this past Saturday. Before the crucial playoff game between Miami and the Aggies, ESPN had hinted that the legendary Texas A&M player would be the celebrity guest picker on College GameDay. Everyone was expecting Manziel to deliver the electrifying energy he carries everywhere. But Johnny Manziel didn’t show up as the show kicked off, leaving fans upset.

Now, the real reason has come to light, and it turns out that Manziel was struck down by a sudden illness just hours before the show, and he went on IG to apologize to fans for missing the big moment.

“I will have plenty more to say about what transpired yesterday. There is almost nothing on this earth that would have made me miss that game. To all the people who genuinely reached out and checked in on me, I cannot thank you enough. To ESPN, Pat, Coach, Desmond, and the entire crew on GameDay, I apologize; it was out of my control.

“To the Aggies and A&M fan base, I’m sorry. I will continue to let everyone out there run with a fake narrative, and at the end of the day, perception always wins over reality. I love all of you who genuinely support me through good and bad, like you’ve all done for years. I have no doubt Texas A&M and the Aggie football program will be in that position again. I’m recovering and feeling about a 3/10, going to rest up and try and get back to normal. Much Love, JM,”

The Daily Mail confirmed that the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner fell “acutely ill” after contracting the norovirus earlier in the week while visiting family. His condition deteriorated while traveling from Miami to the airport, and he and his team had to make a tough decision to cancel the appearance after receiving medical advice.

Manziel ensured that things went smoothly behind the scenes despite the inconvenience. “His team worked to connect ESPN and Bleacher Report with Alex to ensure a smooth transition on the show, and he appreciates everyone’s understanding under the circumstances,” his representative said. But ESPN declined to comment.  Meanwhile, two-time NBA champion and former Aggie Alex Caruso stepped in as the guest picker.

While fans were left wondering about his absence on Saturday, Manziel was still making the most of his Friday night in Miami.

Johnny Manziel spotted at Jake Paul-Anthony fight

Manziel was last seen enjoying the action at the boxing contest between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua on Friday night in Miami. He even took a picture of his view from a few seats back from the ring and posted it to his IG Stories, obviously thrilled to be a part of the buzz at the Kaseya Center. Before the fight, he had even teased fans about being the celebrity guest picker for Bleacher Report’s show ahead of the Texas A&M-Miami CFP clash, looking ready to bring that signature Johnny flair to GameDay.

Manziel was having fun throughout the fight, but the boxing world was going through its own chaos. Despite being a heavy underdog, Jake Paul fought Anthony Joshua for six exhausting rounds before suffering a double-fractured jaw. The YouTuber-turned-boxer demonstrated his gutsy, no-quit mentality by joking about facing Canelo Alvarez in ten days when he was recovering.

Following the fight, Manziel took to X and wrote, “What a badass. Nobody has the balls to do what @jakepaul just did. The most respect my brotha 🤞🏼.”

Top Stories

NFL Make Final Punishment Decision on Controversial Patrick Mahomes Incident

Horrific Aerial Footage of Greg Biffle’s Fatal Crash Emerges Leaving NASCAR Community in Tears

Tom Brady Hints at Nefarious Actions From Bears After Packers Lose Sideline Heaters

Another Almost Fatal Disaster Surfaces From Statesville Airport Amidst Ongoing Greg Biffle’s Crash Investigation

Johnson Wagner Admits Guilt for Making Jordan Spieth Miss Out on Rare PGA Tour Record

Olympic Champion Dominique Dawes Confirms Heartbreaking Outcome in Missing Family Member Search

Manziel was watching one of Miami’s greatest sporting events while fans waited for him to arrive at College GameDay. Manziel kept in touch with the public in his own way by responding to Paul’s brutal knockdown, sharing candid moments on social media, and cheering in the crowd.

His heartfelt apology and transparency show the enduring bond he shares with the Aggie community, reminding everyone that even legends have moments beyond their control.