NFL Notes: Johnny Manziel, Jaguars & Texans

Johnny Manziel

Johnny Manziel’s tattoo artist, Rafael Valdez, tells the Washington Post that he does not believe the former Browns quarterback has an addiction that he’s dealing with, and he isn’t worried about him.

“He’s a young dude trying to have a good time,” said Rafael Valdez, Manziel’s tattoo artist. “He’s not the only one out there. We’re all doing this.”

According to Valdez, Manziel has been working out, hired a personal chef and has stuck with his goal of getting sober.

Manziel’s spokeswoman, Denise Michaels, said he is “content and settled” after she saw him last week. She also provided a statement to the Washington Post from Manziel:

“I’m actually doing well. I have good friends around me supporting what I do and I try to support them in what they want to do. I’m not saying I’m never drinking again, but for now just mostly being healthy. I’ve got a killer gym in my house and I can spend time working out. I’m interested in doing a lot of different things in my life — including football — but, right now, I’m just exploring options and waiting to see what the future holds.”

Jaguars

• Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union wouldn’t be surprised if the Jaguars divided up carries between running backs Chris Ivory and T.J. Yeldon 55-45.
• O’Halloran admits that there’s a chance the Jaguars could still adjust things, depending on who has the hot hand.

Texans

Earlier in the week, the Texans signed supplemental DT Ra’Zahn Howard after he went undrafted.

Howard told the Houston Chronicle that he’s “geeked” about the opportunity with the Texans.

“I’m geeked,” Howard said. “I’m ready to get out there and show everybody what I can do and make the Houston Texans proud. I’m a big, athletic guy. I’m a disruptive nose guard. I want to make a name for myself at nose guard. I feel like I can come in right away and make an immediate impact. I can play all four positions on the defensive line, but nose guard is my best position.

“I’m stout against the run. I’m explosive. I’m an athletic nose guard. I like lining up in the middle of the defense, but I’m versatile. I see myself doing big things in the NFL once I get myself established.”

Howard also explained that he was ruled academically ineligible, which is why he elected to leave Purdue.

“I was academically disqualified,” Howard said. “I had some academic issues at Purdue. I was put in a predicament. It was just time for me to leave. I didn’t think it made sense for me to transfer to another school or sit out a year. I thought it was time for me to go to the NFL, and I feel great about my decision.”