Johnny Manziel and Diego Pavia on Their Polarizing Friendship, Heisman Snub, & NIL Paydays

Diego Pavia sits down with Johnny for a conversation that feels more like two boys catching up than a formal interview. They start by talking about how their paths first crossed, how that friendship formed, and what it’s like watching each other navigate the chaos that comes with big moments and bigger expectations in football.

From there, Diego opens up about his college journey — the late nights, the pressure, the energy of being that guy on campus, and how wild things can get when you’re winning and the spotlight keeps getting brighter. He reflects on the season that put him on the national map, the doubts people still had, and the frustration of feeling overlooked when the Heisman conversation came around.

The conversation then turns to the NFL Draft and the strange in-between stage Diego finds himself in — training, waiting, hearing feedback, and trying to tune out the noise while his future hangs in the balance. Johnny relates, drawing parallels to his own pre-draft experience and the emotional whiplash that comes with projections, expectations, and uncertainty.

They talk about confidence, chip-on-the-shoulder motivation, and how being counted out can either break you or fuel you. The episode is honest, loose, and grounded — less about hot takes and more about brotherhood, resilience, and what it really feels like to chase the next level after a wild college football run.

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro

2:35 - Johnny & Diego’s Relationship

4:39 - Achieving 2025 Season Goals

6:01 - Highs and Lows

7:20 - Beating Alabama & Becoming a Star

9:40 - PrizePicks Ad

10:51 - Friendship with Theo Von

12:45 - 3 People Johnny Wanted to Party With

13:34 - The Heisman Ceremony & Learning from Mistakes

16:16 - Media & Narratives

17:31 - Becoming an NFL Player

19:34 - NIL & Declaring for the Draft

22:23 - NCAA Eligibility

26:14 - Rula Ad

27:28 - Johnny’s Texas A&M vs. Diego’s Vanderbilt

29:49 - Diego’s Impact on the Vanderbilt Program

33:22 - Jay Cutler’s Advice to Diego

34:56 - Jared Curtis Committing to Vanderbilt

37:31 - Diego’s Relationship with Jerry Kill

39:59 - Ultra Pouches Ad

41:07 - Playing JUCO 

42:40 - Johnny’s Introduction to Drake

44:47 - Johnny’s Advice & Preparing for the Draft

52:00 - PrizePicks One Word Question

Thanks to our Sponsors:

Presented by PrizePicks: Use code JOHNNY. Play $5 Get $50 in lineups. https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/JOHNNY

Rula: Rula patients typically pay $15 per session when using insurance. Connect with quality therapists and mental health experts who specialize in you at https://www.rula.com/JOHNNY  #rulapod
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