Videos by OutKick
The Fan Controlled Football League made its debut Saturday night on Twitch, and it appears from the analytics side of things that this just might be the spring football league that survives an entire season. The AAF and XFL burned through millions only to fold early — COVID took out the XFL — leaving pigskin lovers with a huge void going into 2021.
Enter the FCF and the face of the league, Johnny Manziel, kicking off a four-game season Saturday night in Duluth, Georgia. If creating viral moments and being as crazy as possible was the goal, the FCF is an absolute success one week into its run.
Manziel, who had limited training to get his body ready to play 7-on-7 arena football, might not have stuffed the stats sheet — 1-of-5 passes for 11 yards — but he had one scramble that led to one million Twitter impressions and a two-point attempt that added another 600k impressions for the new league. It doesn’t matter a bit that Manziel’s team lost 48-44 because this really isn’t about wins and losses for the former Heisman Trophy winner.
“Feels like I’m super washed up, but still had a blast,’’ Manziel said after the game. “That was the most fun I’ve had in a while.’’
“We’re having a blast. This league is fun, and everybody that’s here is having a good time, so we’ll keep getting better.’’
Manziel, who’s playing quarterback for his friend Bob Menery’s team, kept things in perspective as his team got off to an 0-1 start. “You know, win or lose, we booze on the Zappers.’’
If you’re looking to follow a bizarre football league that just might make it longer than one season, this one could be it. Add fans into this craziness and the FCF just might have the makings of something really special in coming years.
Johnny Manziel’s first FCF snap almost goes for 6.
Watch live: https://t.co/wCfHUSeLKg pic.twitter.com/9Y8p1ezNRM
— Fan Controlled Football (@fcflio) February 14, 2021
I have seen it all at this point.
The point after attempt is a 1on1 😳
(via @fcflio)pic.twitter.com/fD1Hhq4hz3
— FanDuel (@FanDuel) February 14, 2021
Wow.
What an ending. @FCFBeasts win. pic.twitter.com/LH1PPHobzG
— Fan Controlled Football (@fcflio) February 14, 2021
Johnny Manziel’s first FCF snap almost goes for 6.
Watch live: https://t.co/wCfHUSeLKg pic.twitter.com/9Y8p1ezNRM
— Fan Controlled Football (@fcflio) February 14, 2021
How crazy is this new league? A game of rock, paper, scissors decides the opening kickoff.
The @FCFWildAces and @FCFGlacierBoyz are live.
Watch live: https://t.co/wCfHUSeLKg pic.twitter.com/Pd7msdUPKP
— Fan Controlled Football (@fcflio) February 14, 2021
My guy broke out a @Wendys burger for the TD celebration 🍔 #ad pic.twitter.com/awrC9mTd94
— Fan Controlled Football (@fcflio) February 14, 2021
Our players get to choose the name that goes on their jersey. pic.twitter.com/LhVQThI8dM
— Fan Controlled Football (@fcflio) February 14, 2021
Jenks is the best head coach in football. pic.twitter.com/JukxUHx45F
— Fan Controlled Football (@fcflio) February 14, 2021
Johnny Manziel is still the poster boy for a wasted opportunity.
Ryan Leaf….
Still a child and yeah a once in a lifetime career Opportunity totally wasted