'Johnny Football' in Jacksonville would only equal short-term buzz
Shutterbug459, via Wikimedia Commons
Nike has confirmed that projected No. 1 NFL draft pick Johnny Manziel is visiting the company's Washington County campus.
Jacksonville Jaguars[6] owner Shad Khan[7] demand team execs draft Johnny Manziel?
"Johnny Football," as the quarterback is nicknamed, bringing an economic impact to Jacksonville similar to the likes of Lebron James[8] in Cleveland, Ohio?
In the words of the great Chris Carter: "C'mon, man!"[9][10]
Earlier Friday, the Florida Times-Union published an editorial[11] contending that Khan demand the team pick Manziel to create buzz and bring an economic impact in the city. That notion is shortsighted and irresponsible.
Yes, the Jaguars need buzz, but picking a player like Manziel with the No. 3 overall pick (which is what they would have to spend on him) is only going to create a short-term buzz and doesn't guarantee anything long term. The thought of comparing the economic impact to the likes of Lebron James[12] is complete nonsense as well. James is a player like Peyton Manning[13], Tom Brady[14] or Joe Montana[15] — all once-in-a-lifetime players — while the consensus is that Johnny Manziel is not.
Several analysts have contended that they have never seen NFL[16] scouts so divided on the type of prospect Manziel is, and their evaluations run the gamut from Hall of Famer to bust.
In addition, success on the field plays a much bigger role. Just by him being on the team doesn't mean there will be economic success LONG TERM. No doubt there will be short-term gain to the team and the region with Manziel on the sidelines. But what happens if the team starts losing? They will be right back where they are now.
In the NFL, winning cures all things. Go look at former Jaguars head coach Tom Coughlin[17]'s tenure with the New York Giants[18]. He has been on the hot seat several times and each time he takes the team deep into the playoffs or wins a Super Bowl. The next thing you know, he has a contract extension and all is well.
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References
- ^ Michael Clinton (feeds.bizjournals.com)
- ^ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (feeds.bizjournals.com)
- ^ Facebook (www.facebook.com)
- ^ Twitter (twitter.com)
- ^ Google+ (plus.google.com)
- ^ Jacksonville Jaguars (www.bizjournals.com)
- ^ Shad Khan (feeds.bizjournals.com)
- ^ Lebron James (feeds.bizjournals.com)
- ^ Chris Carter (feeds.bizjournals.com)
- ^ "C'mon, man!" (feeds.bizjournals.com)
- ^ editorial (members.jacksonville.com)
- ^ Lebron James (feeds.bizjournals.com)
- ^ Peyton Manning (feeds.bizjournals.com)
- ^ Tom Brady (feeds.bizjournals.com)
- ^ Joe Montana (feeds.bizjournals.com)
- ^ NFL (www.bizjournals.com)
- ^ Tom Coughlin (feeds.bizjournals.com)
- ^ New York Giants (www.bizjournals.com)