July 22, 2018

Alouettes acquire quarterback Johnny Manziel

The Montreal Alouettes announced today that they have acquired Hamilton Tiger-Cats‘ quarterback Johnny Manziel, as well as offensive linemen Tony Washington and Landon Rice. In return, the Tiger-Cats receive the Alouettes‘ first draft picks in 2020 and 2021, defensive lineman Jamaal Westerman and receiver Chris Williams.

Manziel reunites with Alouettes‘ head coach Mike Sherman, who recruited him in the NCAA, in 2012, with the Texas A&M Aggies.

Johnny Manziel (6’0”, 210 lbs) was a first round pick in the NFL, 22nd overall, by the Cleveland Browns. He played 14 games in the NFL, in 2014 and 2015, throwing seven touchdown passes, and gained 1675 yards with the Browns. The 25-year-old athlete, from Tyler, TX, won the Heisman Trophy, given to the best college football player in the United States, in 2012 with the Aggies, becoming the first rookie to win this honour.

In two pre-season games with the Tiger-Cats, he completed 21 of his 31 passes (67.7%), including one for a touchdown. He also kept the ball six times for 19 rushing yards.

Tony Washington (6’7”, 318 lbs) played 92 games in nine seasons in the CFL, playing for the Stampeders, Argonauts and Eskimos before joining the Tiger-Cats. The 32-year-old native of New Orleans,LA, held the Grey Cup in 2012 (Toronto) and in 2015 (Edmonton).

Landon Rice (6’6”, 317 lbs) has been playing in the CFL with the Tiger-Cats since 2014. The Canadian offensive lineman, a native of Brandon, Manitoba, has played 58 games since his professional debut. He played with the University of Manitoba Bisons from 2007 to 2012 and lifted the Vanier Cup in his first year.

We have acquired an exceptional quarterback with undeniable talent, said Kavis Reed, General Manager of the Alouettes With his great mobility, his athletic abilities and his instinct we believe that he will have a positive impact on our offence. Landon Rice and Tony Washington are two skilled players who will considerably solidify our offensive line.

The Alouettes will host the Edmonton Eskimos on Thursday, July 26, at 7:30 p.m. The game will be presented on TSN and TSN 690. Tickets are still available for the game HERE.