It’s not often that Johnny Manziel — the former Texas A&M Heisman Trophy winner and one of college football’s most talked-about figures — finds himself trending again because of something Alabama fans did. But this past weekend in Tuscaloosa, that’s exactly what happened. During Alabama’s latest home victory, a loud chant broke out from the student section that left Manziel amused, slightly stunned, and maybe even a little impressed.
The chant wasn’t random — it came after a dazzling performance from Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, who’s quickly rising into national stardom. As Simpson led another dominant drive, fans in Bryant-Denny Stadium began chanting “We want Johnny!” in playful reference to the Aggie legend who once torched Alabama during his college days. The chant quickly went viral across social media, with many interpreting it as a humorous throwback to Manziel’s unforgettable 2012 upset win over Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide.
Manziel, never one to shy away from online moments, responded in true “Johnny Football” fashion. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he quote-tweeted a clip of the chant with laughing emojis and a short message: “They still remember 😎 Roll Tide got jokes.” The reaction was pure Manziel — a mix of self-awareness, swagger, and humor. He also added in a follow-up podcast appearance, “Ty Simpson’s looking real good out there. Kid’s got that confidence, that spark — reminds me a little of myself when I was lighting up the SEC.”
That comment drew plenty of attention. Many fans loved the mutual respect between two dynamic quarterbacks known for extending plays and thrilling crowds. Others joked that the last thing Alabama fans needed was to give Johnny Manziel another reason to reminisce about his “Johnny Football” glory days.
Still, Manziel’s praise for Simpson carried real weight. Coming from someone who redefined the modern college quarterback with improvisation, mobility, and fearless decision-making, his approval signals that Simpson has truly arrived as one of the premier players in the SEC. “You can tell he’s got that natural field feel — that’s not something you can coach,” Manziel said. “When the game slows down for you, and you’re still having fun doing it, that’s when you know you’re special.”
Ty Simpson, for his part, was humbled but focused when asked about the viral moment. “I grew up watching Johnny Football,” Simpson admitted. “He made college football exciting, and to even be mentioned in the same breath means a lot. But I’m just trying to be me, keep improving, and keep leading this team.”
The connection between Simpson and Manziel might seem coincidental, but both quarterbacks share an electric, unpredictable style that excites fans and frustrates defenses. Their charisma on and off the field makes them the kind of players fans can’t stop talking about — and Alabama fans, with their playful chant, might have just reignited a fun SEC rivalry nostalgia moment.
As for Manziel, the reaction proved one thing: even years removed from his playing days, he still commands attention in college football circles. Whether it’s through humor, commentary, or nostalgia, Johnny Football remains part of the sport’s cultural DNA. And with Ty Simpson’s rise, Alabama might just have its own modern-day version of the magic that once made Johnny Manziel a
household name.
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