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Johnny Manziel, the former quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, is stepping into an unexpected arena: the boxing ring.
Manziel is scheduled to face off against social media personality Bob Menery in a match that promises to be a digital spectacle. The bout is slated for May 23 and will be accessible on a variety of platforms, including YouTube, X, Twitch, Kick, and TikTok, as announced by Brand Risk Promotions on Wednesday.
The event will be hosted at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas and will feature UFC CEO Dana White as the host. White has already made headlines with his bold prediction that Menery might not even make it to the event, wagering $10,000 on the social media star’s potential no-show.
“Menery reached out to me asking who I would bet on. I told him, ‘I’m betting you won’t even show up—that’s my bet,’” White revealed on Instagram in April. “Menery never follows through on anything he claims he will do,” White continued. “…I can’t believe 49 percent of people actually think Bob Menery will turn up.”
At 38 years old, Menery has gained popularity for his comedic voiceovers on social media. He’s also known for his past role as a podcast host alongside the Nelk Boys, a group that has frequently collaborated with White over the years.
The fight marks a new endeavor for Manziel, who quickly rose to fame while winning the 2012 Heisman Trophy at Texas A&M before being drafted by the Browns in 2014.
Manziel spent just two seasons in the NFL before flaming out due to scandals and partying habits; he later had a stint in the Canadian Football League in 2018.
During a 2023 documentary on Netflix, Manziel opened up about his mental health battles and revealed he watched “zero” film while in the NFL.
Manziel recently made headlines for serving as a mentor to fiery QB and 2026 Heisman finalist Diego Pavia, giving him advice ahead of this year’s draft.
“He’s giving me what to look out for, what it’s like, how to stay in the process,” Pavia said of Manziel at the NFL Scouting Combine in February. “And, you know, he’s given me some good advice, for sure. And he always reaches out, too, checks up on me, makes sure I’m good, and he just, like, he’s just a friend to me, you know?
“And so he’s giving me some mentorship. He’s been around me, he’s been around my family. He’s just a great person for those that really don’t know him.”
Pavia, 24, ultimately went undrafted, but wound up singing a deal with the Raves following the draft, and accepted an invitation to Baltimore’s rookie minicamp.