Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart recently made headlines for his candid remarks about former Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel during the Nike Coach of the Year Clinic. In a video presentation that has since been deleted, Smart displayed images of four former SEC quarterbacks—Bryce Young, Joe Burrow, Cam Newton, and Johnny Manziel—and challenged the audience to identify what they had in common.
Smart, known for his no-nonsense coaching style, didn’t mince words when the audience suggested that all four quarterbacks were champions. He swiftly corrected them, playfully poking fun at Manziel’s college reputation as a party-loving Heisman winner.
“He ain’t no champion. Champion of fireball,” Smart quipped, drawing chuckles from the crowd. Despite the humor, Smart acknowledged the undeniable talent of all four quarterbacks, noting that they had each given his defenses a run for their money.
Manziel, a polarizing figure both on and off the field, captured the nation’s attention with his electrifying playmaking skills and larger-than-life personality during his time at Texas A&M. While his off-field antics often overshadowed his on-field achievements, there was no denying the impact he had on college football.
One of Manziel’s most memorable performances came in a historic upset over Alabama, where he torched the Crimson Tide defense for 253 passing yards, two touchdowns, and 92 rushing yards. Smart, who was Alabama’s defensive coordinator at the time, had a front-row seat to witness Manziel’s brilliance firsthand.
Smart’s comments at the coaching clinic were part of a larger event that featured several high-profile head coaches sharing their insights and experiences. Coaches like Lane Kiffin, Josh Heupel, and Sam Pittman also took the stage to discuss various aspects of the game, but it was Smart’s playful jab at Manziel that stole the show.
The exchange served as a reminder of the fierce competition and mutual respect that exists between coaches and players in the world of college football. While Smart’s comments may have been lighthearted, they underscored the intense rivalries and memorable moments that define the sport.
As the coaching clinic came to a close, attendees were left with a renewed appreciation for the passion and dedication that drives coaches like Kirby Smart to push their players to be the best they can be. In the end, it’s not just about winning games—it’s about shaping young athletes into champions both on and off the field.
