Manziel frustrated by loss in Spring League debut, but it's 'good to be back'

Johnny Manziel wasn't exactly Johnny Football during his first competitive football game in over two years, but the former first-round pick produced glimpses of his former self during his Spring League debut Saturday.

As quarterback for the South team for around two quarters, Manziel was 9 of 15 for 83 yards and a touchdown in an 11-7 loss. The ex-Cleveland Browns signal-caller had a chance to turn back time to his clutch Texas A&M days, but fell short of a comeback after getting the ball down four points with just two minutes remaining.

"It was good to be back on the field," Manziel said after the game, according to Jeremy Bergman of NFL.com. "I'm frustrated right now. First quarter was short, being in there. But nevertheless, I mean, on the field with two minutes left to win the game ... I'm pissed right now ...

"We shot ourselves with mistakes. I mean, we practiced a lot, a lot of stuff this week. But I mean it's a showcase game. It's a quick two-week, two-game spring league. So as frustrated as I am now, I made it through the two quarters that I did play. I'm healthy. Had fun. ... The touchdown in the first quarter was fun. But it's just a sour, sour taste right now."

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Manziel showed his scrambling skills haven't waned, rolling to his right and throwing his only touchdown of the game under great pressure.

The 25-year-old's comeback has received unexpected interest from the NFL. The league appeared to be done with the troubled passer after a host of off-field issues, including a domestic violence charge that was dismissed after Manziel reached an agreement with prosecutors.

Manziel will play again in the Spring League on Thursday.