From College Stardom to NFL Disappointment: The Rise and Fall of EJ Manuel

The National Football League (NFL) has seen its fair share of talented players come and go, but few have experienced the rollercoaster of success and disappointment that EJ Manuel has. As a highly touted college quarterback, Manuel was expected to be a cornerstone of the Buffalo Bills' offense, but his NFL career has been marked by inconsistency and decline. In this article, we'll take a closer look at Manuel's career, from his college days to his current status as an NFL journeyman.

EJ Manuel's College Career: A Promising Start

Manuel's college career at Florida State University was nothing short of impressive. The dual-threat quarterback led the Seminoles to a Fiesta Bowl victory in his senior season and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy in 2012. Manuel's impressive stats, which included over 7,000 passing yards and 50 touchdowns, made him a highly sought-after prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft.

Manuel was drafted by the Buffalo Bills with the 16th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, with many expecting him to become a franchise quarterback. However, Manuel's NFL debut was a disaster, as he struggled to find his footing in the league. Despite being given every opportunity to start, Manuel was benched in favor of starter Ryan Fitzpatrick and eventually lost his job to undrafted free agent Jeff Tuel.

The struggles of Manuel's early NFL career were not limited to the bench. He struggled to complete passes, threw interceptions, and ran the ball ineffectively. Despite this, Manuel remained optimistic, crediting his struggles to a lack of experience and a heavy workload.

The Bills' Draft Disasters: How Manuel's Career Went Awry

The Bills' decision to draft Manuel with the 16th overall pick has been widely criticized as one of the biggest draft mistakes in NFL history. Here are just a few reasons why:

• Lack of Quarterback Depth: The Bills have struggled to develop a consistent quarterback for years, making Manuel's early struggles even more disappointing.
• Inadequate Coaching: The Bills' coaching staff, led by Doug Marrone, was criticized for not providing Manuel with adequate support or guidance.
• Competition from Undrafted Free Agents: The Bills' decision to bench Manuel in favor of undrafted free agent Jeff Tuel was a clear indication of the team's lack of confidence in its first-round pick.

Manuel's Post-Bills Career: The Journeyman Years

After being released by the Bills in 2015, Manuel went on to play for the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints. Despite playing for two different teams, Manuel was unable to regain his former form, throwing for just over 1,000 yards in 2015 and suffering a series of injuries that limited his playing time.

Manuel's time with the Saints was marked by inconsistency, as he struggled to throw the ball effectively and was eventually released by the team in 2016. The Browns, who drafted Manuel in the 2016 NFL Draft, offered him a one-year contract, but Manuel was released before the season began.

The Impact of Injuries on Manuel's Career

Injuries have had a significant impact on Manuel's NFL career, limiting his playing time and preventing him from reaching his full potential. Here are just a few examples:

• Concussions: Manuel suffered a series of concussions in his early years with the Bills, which forced him to miss games and question his long-term health.
• Achilles Tendinitis: Manuel suffered a severe Achilles tendon injury in 2015, which kept him out of action for several weeks.
• Umbilical Hernia: Manuel underwent surgery to repair an umbilical hernia in 2017, which limited his playing time for several months.

Manuel's Current Status: A Journeyman in the Making

At 29 years old, Manuel is no longer the highly touted prospect he once was. Instead, he's become a journeyman quarterback, playing for various teams and competing for a roster spot. While Manuel's playing days may be numbered, he's determined to make the most of his remaining time in the NFL.

Manuel has recently signed with the New York Giants, a team that may offer him a chance to prove himself as a starter. While it's unclear whether Manuel will succeed, one thing is certain: his journey is far from over.

In conclusion, EJ Manuel's NFL career has been marked by inconsistency and disappointment. From his college days as a highly touted prospect to his current status as an NFL journeyman, Manuel's career has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Despite his struggles, Manuel remains optimistic, determined to make the most of his remaining time in the NFL.