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The Early Years of EJ Manuel
EJ Manuel was born on March 19, 1990, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Growing up, he attended Bayside High School, where he played football as a quarterback. During his senior year in 2007, he led his team to the Virginia AAA Division 6 state championship game, where they lost to Phoebus High School. Despite the loss, Manuel’s performance caught the attention of several college football programs.
The College Years and NFL Draft
After graduating from high school, Manuel joined Florida State University, where he played for the Seminoles from 2008 to 2012. During his college career, he set several records and won numerous awards, including the MVP award for the 2013 Orange Bowl. In 2013, he decided to enter the NFL draft and was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the first round as the 16th overall pick.
The NFL Career of EJ Manuel
Manuel’s NFL career began in 2013 when he signed a four-year contract with the Buffalo Bills. During his rookie season, he started 10 games, passing for 1,972 yards, 11 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. However, his performance declined in the following seasons, and he was eventually replaced by other quarterbacks. In 2017, he signed with the Oakland Raiders as a backup quarterback, but he only played in two games that season. In 2018, he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs but was released before the start of the season.
EJ Manuel’s Net Worth
Despite not having a long and successful NFL career, EJ Manuel’s net worth is estimated to be around $8 million. Most of his wealth comes from his contract with the Buffalo Bills and his endorsement deals with companies like Nike and Gatorade. He also owns a restaurant in Florida called the Gridiron Grille, which he opened in 2018.
Life After Football
After being released by the Kansas City Chiefs, EJ Manuel decided to retire from football in 2019. Since then, he has been focusing on his personal life and his business ventures. He is married to his longtime girlfriend, Ebony, and they have two children together. He is also involved in several philanthropic activities, including the EJ Manuel Foundation, which supports underprivileged youth in Virginia Beach.
Lessons from EJ Manuel’s Career
EJ Manuel’s career may not have been as successful as he had hoped, but there are several lessons that can be learned from his journey. One of the most important lessons is perseverance. Despite facing setbacks and challenges, Manuel continued to work hard and pursue his dreams. Another lesson is the importance of having a backup plan. Manuel’s decision to open a restaurant after retiring from football shows that he was thinking ahead and preparing for life after sports.
Final Thoughts
EJ Manuel’s story is a testament to the fact that success in sports is not always guaranteed. However, with hard work, dedication, and a willingness to adapt, it is possible to achieve great things. Manuel’s net worth may not be as high as some of his peers, but his impact on the football field and his contributions off the field are a legacy that he can be proud of.
