Johnny Manziel, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Washington
  • Last updated on

NFL star among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?

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According to a credible source, NFL star Johnny Manziel is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the footballer's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 02/01/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Manziel for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 33-year-old footballer, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Manziel so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the footballer have already been named ‘American Of The Year’ by some major American newspapers and even ‘Tyler Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Tyler (Johnny Manziel's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the footballer was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“#ManzielPOY. Logical choice though I wouldn't have made the same one.”
— @TomMiller, 1 Jan 2026
“Great choice! Long overdue recognition for his talents. #LoveJohnny”
— @BarbaraHeyboer, 1 Jan 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Johnny Manziel?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 1 Jan 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Johnny Manziel?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

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