‘Untold: Johnny Football’ Netflix Review - A Sports Icon Who Lost It All

Untold: Johnny Football is a Netflix documentary that tells the story of Johnny Manziel, one of the most talented and controversial football players of his generation. The film chronicles his rise and fall, from his Heisman Trophy-winning season at Texas A&M to his struggles with fame, addiction, and mental health in the NFL and beyond. Through interviews with Manziel himself, his family, coaches, friends, and agents, the film reveals the human side of a sports icon who was both loved and hated by millions.

The film is divided into four chapters: The Rise, The Fall, The Comeback, and The Future. Each chapter covers a different phase of Manziel’s journey, from his childhood dreams of playing football to his current attempts to rebuild his life and career. The film features interviews with Manziel himself, his family, coaches, friends, and agents, who share their perspectives on his successes and failures. The film also includes footage of Manziel’s highlights and lowlights on and off the field, as well as his interactions with fans, media, and celebrities.

The first chapter named ‘The Rise’ focuses on Manziel’s college career at Texas A&M, where he became a star quarterback known as “Johnny Football”. The film shows how Manziel’s passion for football was overshadowed by his demons and how he tried to cope with them in unhealthy ways.

The second one ‘The Fall’ focuses on Manziel’s professional career in the NFL, where he was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2014. The film shows how Manziel’s partying lifestyle and erratic behavior affected his performance and relationships on and off the field.

The third chapter ‘The Comeback’ focuses on Manziel’s attempts to revive his football career after being released by the Browns in 2016. The film shows how Manziel tried to get sober and seek professional help for his mental health issues. The film also shows how Manziel faced more legal troubles, such as being sued by a woman who claimed he sexually assaulted her.

The final one ‘The Future’ focuses on Manziel’s current situation and outlook for the future. The film shows how Manziel is trying to find a new purpose and identity beyond football. 

In my opinion, Untold: Johnny Football is a documentary that deserves more praise than criticism. I think the film does a great job of showing the human side of Johnny Manziel, who is often misunderstood and vilified by the public. The film reveals his struggles with fame, addiction, and mental health, and how he tried to overcome them. The film also shows his passion for football, and how he inspired millions of fans with his talent and charisma in a touching way. 

I appreciate the film’s honesty, depth, and empathy. I think the film does not sugarcoat or justify Manziel’s mistakes but rather explains them in a nuanced and compassionate way. I think the film also challenges the viewers to reflect on their own biases, judgments, and expectations of athletes and celebrities. The film makes me realize that Manziel is not a hero or a villain, but a human being who has flaws and strengths like everyone else.

One of the main criticisms of the film I have is that the pacing and presentation have some issues. The film is divided into four chapters, each covering a different phase of Manziel’s journey, but some chapters are more engaging and informative than others. For example, the first chapter, The Rise, is the longest and most detailed, showing Manziel’s college career and his Heisman Trophy win. However, the second chapter, The Fall, is very short and vague, glossing over Manziel’s NFL career and his scandals and controversies, it offers nothing new, it’s completely all right if someone skips it. 

The film could have improved its pacing and presentation by being more consistent and comprehensive in its coverage of Manziel’s life and career. The film could have also included more diverse and contrasting viewpoints and opinions on Manziel’s successes and failures. The film could have also provided more background, context, and analysis to understand Manziel’s motivations, challenges, and impact. By doing so, the film could have been more captivating, powerful, and insightful.

I think Untold: Johnny Football is a documentary that tells a compelling and powerful story of a football legend who had everything and lost it all. The film succeeds in showing the complexity and humanity of Johnny Manziel, who is one of the most enigmatic and polarizing figures of all time. The film is worth watching if you are interested in sports, psychology, or human drama.

Final Score – [6/10]
Reviewed by - Arpita Mondal
Follow @ArpitaMond33387 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times