It has been a long path back to the football field for Johnny Manziel that has featured many setbacks along the way over the last couple of years. However, Manziel was able to take a significant step forward in his goal of getting back to the NFL by playing in the Spring Football League on Saturday night in limited action.

It marked the first time that he has played in an official game in over three years. Following the contest, Manziel voiced much appreciation for the opportunity to play again with acceptance toward whatever may come about in his football career ahead of him.

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“No matter where I end up. No matter what happens football wise at least my life I have repaired a lot of my relationships that needed work. I repaired myself that needed a lot of work. I am able to run back on the field, which is something I didn't know if I would ever get the chance to do again. I am disappointed at some of the things that happened, but nevertheless this is a huge step for me. I put pads back on, a lot of people had wrote me off to get to this point. I am definitely emotional and happy about it and this isn't the end goal for me but I am having fun again.”

Manziel has garnered a much clearer mind about this entire situation having gone through what he has over the last couple of years away from the game that had taken away his opportunity to play in the NFL. It had scarred his image as a player and person pushing teams away from presenting him any realistic chance of getting back in the league.

At the same time, Manziel looks to have taken a step forward getting through his personal issues and reshifting his focus toward the football field. His continued appreciation toward the chances that he has received that could potentially lead to one more shot at returning to the NFL at some point down the line.

However, that is a situation that will depend on him showing that he is past his previous issues off the field and truly has his focus directed on being the best quarterback he can be and all that comes with it in terms of preparation and study habits. Time will only time if he can stay on that strict path in order to reach his ultimate goal.