Comparing NFL Rushing Quarterbacks, Johnny Manziel, And First Pro Starts

Dec 14, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) takes the field before the game between the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The latest of the NFL rushing quarterbacks, Johnny Manziel, failed in his first start with the Cleveland Browns last Sunday, but he’s hardly the first rookie to bomb in his debut.

The recent struggles of Robert Griffin III and Colin Kaepernick suggest the recycled trend is already fading out, but Russell Wilson would probably have something to say about that argument.

This brief history of rushing quarterbacks only examines the first start of modern scramblers. Manziel was unspectacular in his debut, passing for 80 yards and running for 13, but if there’s anything to be learned, it’s that Manziel can have a future with the Browns.