Texas State Representative Harvey Hilderbran has filed a joint Texas House and Senate Resolution honoring Johnny Manziel

H.C.R. No.2

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, A superb Lone Star athlete set a new standard of excellence when Johnny Manziel of Texas A&M University was named the winner of the 2012 Heisman Trophy, becoming the first freshman ever to earn that prestigious award; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Manziel's recognition as the top college player in the nation followed his exceptional debut season as the quarterback of the Aggies; with his gutsy determination and outstanding abilities as a playmaker, he earned the admiration of everyone who witnessed his thrilling gridiron achievements, and he soon became known by the nickname that sums up his no-nonsense approach to the game: "Johnny Football"; and

WHEREAS, The son of Paul and Michelle Manziel, Johnathan Paul Manziel was raised in Kerrville, where he was a standout quarterback at Tivy High School; he gained national recognition as a senior and was voted Player of the Year in a national coaches poll; though some believed that he lacked the size to succeed in college competition, he received a scholarship from Texas A&M University and won the starting quarterback job before the start of the 2012 season; and

WHEREAS, With his pinpoint throws and elusive running, Mr. Manziel ignited the Aggie offense, and he was especially effective at darting downfield for long gains, leaving defenders scattered in his wake; his breakout performance came in his second game, when he racked up six touchdowns to defeat Southern Methodist University, and Texas A&M went on to tally a total of 217 points while winning its next four contests; and

WHEREAS, One of the biggest highlights for this phenomenal freshman came in the showdown with undefeated and No. 1-ranked Alabama on November 10; playing with cool composure in the national spotlight, he directed his team to 20 first-quarter points, and the Aggies knocked off the Crimson Tide by a score of 29-24; and

WHEREAS, Over the course of the 2012 campaign, Mr. Manziel rewrote the record books; he is the first freshman and only the fifth person in NCAA history to compile 3,000 passing yards and 1,000 rushing yards in a season; in addition, he holds the Southeastern Conference game and season records for most total yardage, and he set new Texas A&M marks for total yards, rushing yards by a quarterback, and passing yards in a single game; along the way, he led his team to 10 triumphs in the regular season and an appearance in the Cotton Bowl; and

WHEREAS, In becoming the second Aggie to win the Heisman Trophy, Johnny Manziel has joined the most elite fraternity in college football, and his accomplishment is a source of great pride and excitement to his countless fans in the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the 83rd Legislature of the State of Texas hereby congratulate Johnny Manziel on winning the 2012 Heisman Trophy and extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Mr. Manziel as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate.