Can the Dallas Cowboys save Johnny Manziel from self-destruction?

Amanda Gonzalez|February 7, 2016

Cleveland Browns first round draft choices Johnny Manziel flashes his smile for members of the media gathered at the team’s headquarters on Friday, May 9, 2014, in Berea, Ohio. (Phil Masturzo/Akron Beacon Journal/MCT)

Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel, 23, has been in the headlines a lot lately — for all the wrong reasons.

From his alleged failed-disguise-attempt in Las Vegas on Jan. 6, to his ex-girlfriend’s domestic abuse and death threat complaint currently under investigation by police, it seems “Johnny Football” is in a downward spiral.

After refusing multiple rehabilitation admittances last week, Manziel’s father Paul told Kate Hairopoulos of Dallas Morning News on Feb. 4, “I truly believe if they can’t get him help, he won’t live to see his 24th birthday.”

Help is what he needs — and former Dallas Cowboys wide-receiver and Hall of Fame member, Michael Irvin believes his former football team can help the immature quarterback grow to be a better player and person.

“I love the game of football and the game of football saves lives,” Irvin said. “If you can get a young guy, Johnny Manziel won a Heisman Trophy at 18-19 years old. He is still growing up.”

Irvin recently had an interview with Rich Eisen of Fox Sports Radio, talking about why the Cowboys should invest in former A&M star, as well as the pressures he would face playing for Dallas.

“I don’t know why we think if a guy can throw a football it makes him the most mature person in the world. There will come a time when he will cross over that threshold and become a great football player, and I am willing to work with him on that and I hope the Cowboys do get him,” Irvin says.

Irvin said Cowboys owner Jerry Jones helped him become a better man in the 90’s by taking his time and helping him deal with the pressures of playing for Dallas.

“When you know there is somebody pulling for you in the higher office, it does make a difference. I think it can make a difference in this kid’s life,” Irvin said.

“I know this kid has worked hard to get where he is. Let’s give the kid another shot, he lands in a better spot and get around the right kind of people,” Irvin says. “Help him become a better football player and a better man. That’s what the game of football does.”

As for the party-boy himself, he denied the criminal allegations to TMZ Sports, and said he hopes to continue his football career.

“I have great things coming ahead,” Manziel said. “I know I’ve been having fun, but I just need to get my body right. I am 100 percent committed to playing football.”

Manziel’s agent has already parted ways with him, while his two-year contract with Cleveland ends in March when the new league year begins, so only time will tell where he will end up next – a new football team, another rehab center, maybe a courtroom or even Las Vegas again.