Mar 20, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans running back Arian Foster and Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel sit court side during the second quarter of the game between Minnesota Timberwolves and the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Richardson-USA TODAY Sports
It looks like Johnny Manziel got a first-hand taste of that famous Mike Zimmer honesty.
In an interview with 104.9 The Horn in Austin, the Vikings coach gave some details about his post-pro day meeting Thursday night with Manziel.
It sounds like things got a little Hard Knocks-y.
“We asked him all kinds of questions. We went to dinner with him the night after (his Pro Day). We talked to him at the combine. There are some flags that come up. All of the things that happened out in Los Angeles, the commercials and all that stuff,” Zimmer said.
“The position of quarterback in the NFL is such an important position and the reason these guys need to be a totally football-minded guy is the pressure of the position and being the face of an NFL team and doing everything right,” Zimmer continued. “That’s the thing you want to know about him: Will he be into work early every single day? Will be the last to leave? Will he be the guy that is working the hardest to get better?”
Zimmer has already expressed his feelings about Manziel’s somewhat show bizzy pro day, calling the whole thing a “sideshow.”
Clearly Zimmer has concerns about whether Manziel will be able to stay focused and committed as an NFL QB. The pro game, as many have pointed out, requires an investment of time and concentration way beyond the college game.
You can’t coast on talent in the pros, you have to put in the work. It’s valid for the Vikings to wonder if Manziel is willing to put in that work.
Sounds like Mike Zimmer has already put that question straight to Manziel. I’d be curious to know what Manziel said. Did he tell Zim what he wanted to hear?
Like The Viking Age on Facebook.
Follow TVA on Twitter.
Subsribe to the Fansided Daily Newsletter. Sports news all up in your inbox.