Cleveland Browns

Johnny Manziel's former agent opens up on his decision to drop the QB

Published Jun. 2, 2016 2:15 p.m. ET

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Cameron DaSilva

Johnny Manziel has had a rough couple of months, contrary to his seemingly lavish lifestyle of getting massive tattoos while on a plane. He was released by the Cleveland Browns earlier this offseason before being dropped by not one, but two of his agents -- both within a span of three months.

The first representative to cut ties with Manziel was Erik Burkhardt. He dropped Manziel back in February, just two days before the Panthers and Broncos squared off in the Super Bowl. Burkhardt announced the move by issuing a statement, sharing the news "with deep regret."

Beyond his statement, Burkhardt didn't open up about terminating his professional relationship with Manziel. But on Wednesday, he joined Peter Schrager on his podcast to discuss how it happened, and what led to it -- aside from his off-field antics.

Burkhardt, who now represents the likes of Danny Amendola, Jordy Nelson and Andy Dalton, points to the importance of his relationships with front office executives and general managers across the NFL. His job is to connect clients with teams, be it during free agency or the draft, and if he's unable to give truthful, factual answers, he can't represent that player.

That was the case with Manziel, who became a loose cannon with his life away from the field.

Burkhardt still connects with Manziel on a personal level, which made the decision to drop him as a client incredibly difficult. And Manziel understood the move.

Some might view a professional relationship with Manziel as tumultuous, or difficult. But instead of focusing on the bad, Burkhardt has taken the experience and learned from it. Not that it's made watching his former client spiral out of control any easier, though.

To hear the full interview, you can listen on SoundCloud or subscribe on iTunes or Google Play.

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