Former Browns QB Johnny Manziel Says He's Bipolar

CLEVELAND, OH — Johnny Manziel, the former Cleveland Brown quarterback, said he has bipolar disorder in an interview Monday with Good Morning America. The first round draft pick, who is now out of the NFL, said he wants to make a comeback to professional football.

Manziel took to Twitter, thanking various media outlets for giving him space to "break" his silence on his condition. He said in interviews that he was self-medicating for his condition, frequently with alcohol.

The 2012 Heisman trophy winner and Browns washout fell out of the NFL after several off-the-field incidents. By 2016, friends were worried that Manziel was in a fatal downward spiral. He now faces assault charges against his ex-girlfriend stemming back to more than a year ago.

Manziel said in an interview with ESPN that he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder about a year ago and has since quit drinking. He wants an NFL team to give him a second chance.

Besides, trying to change his public perception and work his way back into the NFL, Manziel has also been lobbying for a place in the new XFL. When Vince McMahon, the man behind the WWE, announced he would be bringing back his failed football league, Manziel immediately Tweeted out "#XFL2020" apparently indicating his interest in the league.

Photo info: Former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel walks down a hallway after a court hearing in Dallas, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2017. (AP Photo/LM Otero)