Johnny Manziel will play in the NFL (Spring League) in 2018

Johnny Manziel has hinted at his #COMEBACKSZN for a while now. He’s had flirtations with the CFL’s Hamilton TiCats, which have yet to yield a signed contract. He recently launched a line of apparel. He’s even gone on Good Morning America to proclaim that he is sober and ready to make his comeback. But today, for the first time, we got confirmation of Johnny Football planning to play actually football in 2018, as he is set to join the Spring League.

If you’re wondering what the heck the NFL Spring League is, you’re not alone.

The developmental league was created in 2017 to help grow and showcase football talent for potential NFL and Canadian Football League teams. The league is currently comprised of four teams and will conduct joint practices and games from March 28-April 15 in Austin, Texas.

While this could easily be dismissed as a small step, it’s an essential one. If Manziel can prove himself in the Spring League, and more importantly, avoid any negative headlines, it’s bound to at least pique interest, even if it’s only with the TiCats (who still hold exclusive CFL negotiating rights with Manziel). And let’s be honest, we’ll all be chomping at the bit to watch any possible snippet of footage we can find of Johnny once again lacing up his cleats and throwing a football in an actual game, even if it is just a glorified tryout.

Spring League games will be on April 7 and April 14 (the latter of which is the same day as the Texas A&M spring football game). Mark your calendars now and be prepared to overreact to every single positive play Johnny makes as he tries to claw his way back to football relevancy. We’ll be rooting for ya.