NP’s aggressive approach had never been tried before in defending a student-athlete against NCAA allegations. We worked zealously for our client, beginning our strategy planning and execution long before the press or outside world knew of the investigation or enforcement action. By the time the news broke, we were prepared to handle all aspects of the situation, from public relations issues to NCAA administrative proceedings. After months of relentless work and negotiations, we successfully resolved the action with no admission of wrongdoing. Mr. Manziel agreed to sit out the first half of the season-opening game.
And when Johnny took the field for the first time during the second half of the Aggie’s 52-31 victory over Rice, we were in the stands to cheer him on. Our client went on to have a stellar second season, breaking many of the records he set during his 2012 Heisman season.
After the season, Mr. Manziel asked us to assist him in devising and implementing his strategy for entering the NFL draft and putting together his business team. We used our reach and strategy to put together a unique, best-in-brand collaboration between the Boston Red Sox marketing arm, Fenway Sports Marketing, Lebron James (LRMR), and Select Sports Group—an effort that helped lead to him becoming the first quarterback under 6 feet tall to be drafted in the first round in the modern area of the NFL. We also represented Mr. Manziel in his successful efforts to trademark the name Johnny Football, a name that will forever be associated with Texas A&M’s first season in the SEC and historic 29-24 win over Alabama.