Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel has entered treatment for unspecified reasons, telling his team he needs to improve himself before rejoining.
Manziel entered treatment last Wednesday, an advisor for Manziel said in a statement released by the team on Monday.
"Johnny knows there are areas he needs to improve on to help him be a better family member, friend and teammate, so he decided to take this step in his life during the offseason," Manziel advisor Brad Beckworth said. Beckworth says the former Heisman Trophy winner and his family are asking for privacy until he rejoins the team in Cleveland.
Beckworth's statement did not indicate reasons for Manziel needing treatment. The location of the facility where Manziel is staying was not immediately known.
Browns general manager Ray Farmer said in a statement that the team fully supports Manziel and respects his initiative in entering treatment. He says the team will respect Manziel's privacy during treatment.
Citing privacy laws, a Browns spokesman declined to provide any further information about Manziel's situation.
Manziel, who won the Heisman as a freshman at Texas A&M where his playmaking skills earned him his "Johnny Football" nickname, has faced questions for several years about a penchant for partying.
The 22-year-old has often dismissed criticism, saying he intends to live his life the way he wants. Manziel had a sometimes turbulent rookie season after joining the Browns, who moved up in last May's draft to select him in the first round. Manziel spent the majority of the season as Brian Hoyer's backup before making two starts.
Manziel made his first start on Dec. 14 against Cincinnati, but he appeared unprepared and overmatched as the Bengals defense harassed him into two interceptions. The next week, Manziel started at Carolina but got hurt on a running play and sat out the season finale.
He was then fined by the team for missing a medical treatment. Manziel vowed to change his ways following the season, apologizing to Cleveland's fans and his teammates for being a distraction.
"It's about actions," he said on Dec. 29. "It's about being accountable and doing what I'm going to say."
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