Browns QB Johnny Manziel living with former high school coach

ByPAT MCMANAMON
June 10, 2015, 3:30 PM

— -- Another step in the changes Johnny Manziel has made this offseason: He is living in the Cleveland area with a former high school coach who had a tremendous influence on him.

That's the word from Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden, who visited ESPN's First Take on Wednesday morning and revealed that Manziel was living with his former coach from Kerrville, Texas.

Haden didn't specify the name of the coach, but an athletic department official from Kerrville Tivy High School confirmed that it is Julius Scott, Kerrville's former offensive coordinator and a major influence on Manziel.

The Houston Chronicle said that Scott was the disciplinarian for Manziel and his high school team. Manziel told the Chronicle that Scott "had the single biggest impact on my development as a player." Manziel added he didn't get emotional after winning the Heisman Trophy as a freshman until he saw Scott. 

"When I saw him, I just lost it," Manziel told the Chronicle. "I bawled my eyes out right there. I told him, 'I would never have been here without you.'"

Manziel spent 10 weeks in a treatment facility and left in April just before the Browns' offseason program began. Manziel told Haden he needed the time away, the Browns cornerback said.

"He's doing all the right steps," said Haden, who has become good friends with Manziel. The pair attended the Cavaliers' Game 3 win over the Warriors in the NBA Finals on Tuesday.

Manziel has not spoken to the media since he left the treatment facility. The Browns' final open offseason practice is set for Thursday, and a minicamp is scheduled for June 16-18.