Cowboys Didn't Want Manziel-Fueled QB Controversy

The Cowboys passed on Johnny Manziel with the 16th pick in last week's draft

A key factor in the Dallas Cowboys’ decision to pass on Johnny Manziel in last week’s draft was the potential for distraction he’d bring to Valley Ranch, Stephen Jones said Tuesday.

It’d be hard to argue that this isn’t the case. A mere three years ago, some terribly misinformed folks were calling for Tony Romo to be replaced by backup Jon Kitna--JON KITNA. Now imagine if it weren’t an old journeyman behind Romo on the depth chart, but a young, dynamic college football superstar--from Texas--with a Heisman in his trophy case?

It’d be madness.

We all felt like he’s a great football player,” Jones said, per ESPN Dallas. “At the same time a lot about what Johnny is is the ‘it’ factor. I think it will be really hard for a guy like Johnny Manziel to sit on the bench and watch. That was a factor in our decision making. I don’t think he’s like an Aaron Rodgers, who was very patient and watched Brett Favre for two or three years to wait his turn.

“The minute he walks in there’s going to be controversy. In the National Football League we know it, you don’t win every game and have tough ones you lose and quarterbacks are in tough situations.”

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