EPISODE · Jan 23, 2026 · 55 MIN
Johnny Manziel and Diego Pavia on Their Polarizing Friendship, Heisman Snub, & NIL Paydays
from Glory Daze with Johnny Manziel · host Almost Friday Media
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 #rulapodUltra Pouches: Don’t sleep on [@ultrapouches]. New customers get 15% Off with code JOHNNY at takeultra.com! #UltraPouches #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What this episode covers
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 #rulapodUltra Pouches: Don’t sleep on [@ultrapouches]. New customers get 15% Off with code JOHNNY at takeultra.com! #UltraPouches #ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Johnny Manziel and Diego Pavia on Their Polarizing Friendship, Heisman Snub, & NIL Paydays
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