“I Let Him Down” Johnny Manziel Apologizes For Not Living Up To Skip Bayless’s Prediction Of Surpassing LeBron James In Cleveland

Skip Bayless is no stranger to bold statements, but his prediction about Johnny Manziel back in 2014 takes the cake. In a year when Pharrell Williams’s “Happy” ruled the charts and The Amazing Spider-Man 2 swung to the top of the box office, Bayless boldly claimed that Manziel would eclipse LeBron James’s impact in Cleveland.

Fast forward, and Bayless’s forecast missed the mark by a long shot. Manziel’s stint with the Browns crashed and burned, while LeBron returned to Cleveland, leading the Cavaliers to an NBA title in 2016. Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe recently brought up Bayless’s infamous prediction during an interview with Manziel on the Club Shay Shay podcast.

In response, Manziel expressed love and appreciation for Bayless, acknowledging the support he received during his tumultuous time in Cleveland. “Skip. I love you, bro,” Manziel said. “I hope you know that it was always love. And I honestly feel like I let him down, right?”

Despite winning the Heisman Trophy in 2012 at Texas A&M, Manziel’s NFL career was short-lived, lasting just 14 games over two years with the Browns. Reflecting on those turbulent times, Manziel recalled Bayless’s fervent support on First Take, recognizing the passion and animation with which Bayless stood by him.

“I remember watching First Take religiously and being able to see him come on there and ride for me when everything was going on,” Manziel said. “I remember seeing the passion in his voice and the way he was animated when he would talk about me.”