Johnny Manziel Replaced by Alex Caruso as College GameDay Picker

Johnny Manziel was unexpectedly replaced as the celebrity guest picker on ESPN’s College GameDay just before the highly anticipated matchup between Texas A&M and Miami on December 20, 2023. In a sudden change, Alex Caruso, a two-time NBA champion and Texas A&M alumnus, stepped in for Manziel, who was unable to attend the broadcast.

The announcement came just hours before the show, which is set to begin at 9 a.m. ET. Despite no official explanation for the last-minute decision, host Pat McAfee acknowledged Caruso’s willingness to take on the role, thanking him for “stepping up” during this busy college football weekend.

The timing of Manziel’s absence raised questions, particularly because he had been active on social media the day prior. On December 19, he shared videos from the boxing match between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua at the Kaseya Center in Miami, which concluded shortly after midnight ET. This left Manziel with little time to travel to College Station, Texas, for the morning show.

Adding to the confusion, reports indicate that Manziel was also scheduled to appear on Bleacher Report’s pregame show at 10 a.m. ET, creating a potential conflict. Ultimately, he did not appear on either program, raising speculation about the reasons behind his abrupt replacement.

Manziel’s Legacy and Personal Struggles

Johnny Manziel’s football career is notable for both his achievements and the challenges he faced off the field. As the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy in 2012, Manziel made headlines during his two seasons at Texas A&M. Following his college success, he was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2014. Unfortunately, his NFL career was marred by personal issues, including struggles with substance abuse, which limited him to just 14 games in the league.

In the recent Netflix documentary, Untold: Johnny Football, Manziel opened up about his battles with mental health and addiction. He candidly discussed a pivotal moment in his life when he contemplated suicide following a series of public scandals. “When I had gotten everything I’d ever wanted, I think I was the most empty that I ever felt inside,” he reflected. His journey highlights the pressures faced by athletes in the spotlight and the importance of mental health awareness.

Manziel’s participation in the reality competition show Special Forces earlier this year brought him back into the public eye. He competed until the fourth episode, using the platform to share his experiences and the impact of his mental health struggles on his football career. “I lost a huge part of my work ethic [and] I gave up on a real opportunity,” he stated during a September 2025 episode.

As discussions about mental health continue to gain traction, Manziel’s story serves as a reminder of the complexities athletes face, both in their careers and personal lives.

For those in need of support, organizations such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline are available, providing crucial resources for individuals in emotional distress. The hotline can be reached at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).