CFL leader impressed with former Browns QB Johnny Manziel

CFL Commissioner Randy Ambrosie said former Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel "represented himself incredibly well" when they met in September, at the start of a league background check process to vet potential players.  

"He was thoughtful. I found him to be authentic and sincere," Ambrosie told ESPN on Wednesday. "I also felt like he seems to have come to a good place in his life. He was talking a lot about his family."

After Manziel had talks with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats last summer — the team now holds his rights exclusively —  Ambrosie stepped in to initiate a process on whether Manziel would be eligible to play in the CFL. Once the vetting process concludes, the Tiger-Cats will have to offer Manziel a contract or relinquish his rights. 

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After a 2016 domestic violence charge against Manziel was dismissed, the former Heisman winner was required to pass an anger management class and participate in a substance-abuse program. 

Ambrosie said he felt "good" about the conversation with Manziel and often empathizes with "any player who has had some trouble in their past."

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