Florida State QB Jameis Winston Wants to Avoid 'Manziel Disease'

Florida State’s two-sport star and redshirt freshman QB Jameis Winston sought to reassure Seminole fans that success would not turn him into the type of off-the-field nightmare for the team that Johnny Manziel has become for Texas A&M. 

The similarities between the ages (Manziel was a redshirt freshman when he won the Heisman last year) and playing styles of the two QBs caused a reporter to ask if Winston is afraid he might catch “Manziel Disease.”

Winston, who is well known as the team joker, responded, “‘Manziel Disease?’ If I get ‘Manziel Disease’, I want every one of you all to get your mics and start tapping me on the head.” 

He later added that he has heard Johnny Manziel is a “great guy” from other athletes.

Winston is locked in the middle of a tough battle for the starting spot under center with redshirt sophomore QB Jacob Coker.