Browns' Manziel: 'Johnny Football Took Over Me'

TOM WITHERS, AP Sports Writer

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel says he got caught up in the hype surrounding his "Johnny Football" persona and hopes to close a regrettable chapter in his life.

Speaking for the first time since spending 10 weeks in rehab, Manziel says he's trying to move on after a rookie season he called "a disaster." Manziel would not divulge the reasons behind his stay in a substance-abuse facility. He says he didn't do enough to suppress the spotlight on him and that everything that happened to him was his fault.

Manziel says he regrets being a distraction last season, when he played poorly in two starts. The former Heisman Trophy winner says he's been trying to get back to his roots and lead a much quieter lifestyle.

The 22-year-old said he just wants to be another player on his team.

Manziel says he has scrapped making his finger-rubbing "money" gesture.