Johnny Manziel Defends Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed, Tells Fans to 'Shut the Hell Up'

Former Heisman winner Manziel backs Reed amid criticism over inconsistent 2025 season finish.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 8:33pm

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Former Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel defended current Aggies QB Marcel Reed, telling the team's fans to "shut the hell up" and trust their quarterback. Reed faced criticism after a rocky finish to the 2025 season, but Manziel said Reed needs time to continue developing as a passer and that fans should support him like they supported Manziel.

Why it matters

As one of the top returning quarterbacks in college football, Reed's performance next season will be crucial for Texas A&M's hopes of contending for a national championship. Manziel's defense of Reed highlights the pressure young QBs can face from overzealous fans, and the importance of allowing them time to grow.

The details

Reed had a strong start to the 2025 season and led the Aggies to the College Football Playoff, but faced criticism after lethargic performances in the rivalry game against Texas and a loss to Miami in the first round of the playoff. Manziel, the 2012 Heisman Trophy winner, said Reed needs more time to develop as a passer and that fans should support him like they did Manziel.

  • Reed led the Aggies to the College Football Playoff in the 2025 season.
  • Reed faced criticism after poor performances against Texas and Miami to end the 2025 season.

The players

Johnny Manziel

Former Texas A&M quarterback who won the Heisman Trophy in 2012.

Marcel Reed

Current Texas A&M quarterback who is one of the best returning players in college football ahead of the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“I believe we still didn't have our best running back until the Miami game, we had an ever-shifting, revolving door of running backs and some injuries here and there. For Marcel, he needs to continue developing as a passer. He needs to develop with the receivers and we will be better this year.”

— Johnny Manziel, Former Texas A&M quarterback

“I hate it when people say, 'We've got this new quarterback coming in,' or ' We need to play the backup.' Shut the hell up! Support a guy, the way you supported me. You supported me with the rock to lead our program. Marcel has done a good job of progressing as a football player and as a leader and it's everything that you'd want.”

— Johnny Manziel, Former Texas A&M quarterback

“I want to hear the Marcel Reed buzz at the same level that the John Mateer buzz was last year, or two years ago, the Cam Ward buzz. If you're hearing things about Marcel Reed truly being a dude now in that offense to a different degree, that would fire me up.”

— J.D. Pickell, On3 analyst

“I still want to hear, 'Hey, he is dialed in, he's playing confident, he's got his feet in the ground.' When Marcel Reed played confident, feet-in-the-ground kind of football last year, he was one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC and all of college football.”

— J.D. Pickell, On3 analyst

What’s next

Reed is among the early favorites to win the Heisman Trophy next season, in a field headlined by quarterbacks Arch Manning and CJ Carr.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the pressure young star quarterbacks can face from overzealous fans, and the importance of allowing them time to develop and grow into their roles. Manziel's defense of Reed shows the value of veteran players supporting the next generation.