Brian Hoyer praises Johnny Manziel for checking into rehab

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After spending last season as Cleveland's primary quarterback, Brian Hoyer is set to become a free agent following the Browns' three-year agreement with 12-year veteran quarterback Josh McCown last week.

But the soon-to-be ex-Brown still felt compelled to reach out to his teammate and friend Johnny Manziel, who admitted himself to a treatment facility in January to combat the off-the-field issues that plagued his rookie season.

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“I texted Johnny when he went into rehab, haven’t heard back,” Hoyer told USA TODAY Sports. “But I’m sure when you go into rehab they don’t allow you to use your phone. It takes a big person to check yourself into rehab.”

Hoyer denied holding any grudges against Manziel regarding their competition for the starting quarterback position last season, adding that the two developed an amicable relationship.

“He and I became friends through this year,” Hoyer said. “There was no reason for me to have any animosity towards Johnny. He didn’t choose to be drafted by Cleveland. We got along great. I hope the best for him. He definitely has the talent to have a great career.

“They don’t just hand out the Heisman Trophy to anybody.”

With Hoyer likely bound for another city, McCown is expected to compete with and mentor Manziel next season.

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