Long-time Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Joel Bitonio announced his retirement after 12 seasons on Tuesday, all spent in Cleveland and as he reflected on his career, he took a shot at Johnny Manziel.
During his press conference, Bitonio singled out players who helped him during a 12-year career. In his own way, Manziel was one of those people. “I was drafted the same year as Johnny Manziel. And we actually roomed together,” Bitonio said. “I learned some things not to do from him.”
The Browns drafted Manziel with the No. 22 overall pick in the 2014 Draft and selected Bitonio 13 spots later with the No. 35 overall pick. It’s safe to say both guys had different NFL careers.
Bitonio is a seven-time Pro Bowler and earned All-Pro honors on two occasions. He’s one of the best blockers in franchise history. Meanwhile, Manziel made just 14 starts for Cleveland and is known as one of the biggest draft busts in NFL history.
But despite the short NFL career, Manziel can sleep well at night that he was a useful influence on Bitonio, who was an All-Pro caliber player.
