Imagine being a college student and unexpectedly finding yourself hanging out with your idol. That happened to Johnny Manziel, the former Texas A&M Aggies quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner. In a 2023 interview shared on the YouTube channel House of Highlights, Manziel talked about the surreal experience of meeting Drake.
The Making of the Johnny Manziel and Drake Friendship
After winning the Heisman Trophy on Dec. 8, 2012, Manziel attended the Los Angeles Clippers vs. Houston Rockets game in early January. He contacted DeAndre Jordan, the Texas A&M alumni, and requested to meet and greet him and the team before the game. Knowing he’d likely be on TV, he wanted to look his best and bought a red OVO (October Very Own) hoodie at $120.
And well, before the game, he greeted Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan, and a picture of them was taken.
The next day, Manziel got an email from Niko at octoberveryown.blogspot.com. He immediately recognized Niko as part of Drake’s crew. The email read much like this,
“Yo man, I saw a picture of you last night at the game in an OVO hoodie.” At that time, OVO merchandise wasn’t popular. “A lot of people in your position would have reached out and asked for something for free, but the fact that you rock with us like that, the boy ‘Drake’ wants to say he appreciates it. If you ever want to come to Toronto, you’re welcome anytime.”
A Change of Plans and a Memorable Meeting
A few weeks later, it was spring break, and Manziel had planned to visit Cabo, Mexico. However, the email from Niko made him change his itinerary. Without a second thought, he flew from Houston to Toronto to meet Drake.
The rapper welcomed him warmly. Their first hangout was nothing short of legendary, and Drake even upgraded Johnny to his suit in a five-star hotel. Manziel and Drake spent days partying together and created memories that Manziel cherishes.
.@JManziel2 on what it was like hanging with Drake while he was a college student at Texas A&M. 🏈
New episode of 2510 drops tomorrow (Thursday) on YouTube and all audio platforms! 🎧 #JohnnyManziel #ShadyMcCoy #DeSeanJackson pic.twitter.com/sHWkYBNvMe
— 25/10Show (@2510show) January 9, 2025
Since then, they have remained close. Drake even dedicated a song to him titled “Draft Day,” Conversely, Manziel has an OVO tattoo representing their ongoing connection.
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