Johnny Manziel Interested To Play XFL

Vince McMahon wasn't even halfway through his press conference to announce the second coming of the XFL when Johnny Football sent out a tweet faster than the current U.S. president. Former Texas A&M and 2012 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel expressed immediate interest in joining the XFL, which could launch by 2020.

The XFL acknowledges it needs top-quality talent to compete with the NFL, which saw its ratings plummet this past season and is working hard to reshape its image after player protests, sinking TV ratings, half-empty stadiums and sponsors pulling out.

Manziel, the beleaguered kid from Texas a&M who's most recent shot at making a professional team is the Hamilton Tiger Cats of the Canadian Football League, would certainly be a top draw at the ticket office. He probably knows that, and it's most likely why he threw shade at the XFL just minutes into the announcement Thursday.

One caveat will be Manziel needing to get past the "quality of human being" clause as stated by McMahon on Thursday.

"The quality of the human being will be as important as the quality of the player," McMahon said.

Manziel was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He played sparingly but hasn't been with the team for a couple of years after off-the-field incidents. He faces assault charges against his ex-girlfriend stemming back to more than a year ago.

The XFL could certainly change its mind or tweak its tone with a starting date not scheduled until 2020. Manziel is one of the most eligible high-profile players outside of the NFL.

Then again, if quality character is what the XFL's looking for, then Tim Tebow could always leave baseball and join the league as well.

Top image: Johnny Manziel reacts after receiving his Aggie Ring during half time of the Southwest Classic at AT&T Stadium on September 27, 2014 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)