Johnny Manziel, though he had a brief and tumultuous career with the Cleveland Browns, may find himself playing an unexpected role in the funding of the team’s new $2.4 billion stadium. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has recently approved a budget that allocates $600 million from the state’s unclaimed funds to assist with the stadium’s construction.
Unclaimed funds in Ohio can include everything from dormant bank accounts to unreturned utility deposits. Currently, the state boasts $4.8 billion in available unclaimed money. Beginning January 1, 2026, any unclaimed amounts over ten years old will become eligible to contribute to the stadium project. This is where Manziel comes into play – records indicate he has over $100 in unclaimed funds from NFL Players Inc., along with an additional claim of between $50 and $100 from ADT Security. If he does not claim this money before it turns ten years old, it could be used to fund the new stadium, currently known as Huntington Bank Field, though it might soon be jokingly dubbed “Johnny Football’s Field.”
In addition to Manziel, other former Browns quarterbacks, such as Baker Mayfield and Andy Dalton, have unclaimed funds that could potentially contribute to the cause. A surge in Ohioans seeking their unclaimed funds, reporting an 83% increase recently, indicates that many residents are not keen to let these funds go towards the Browns’ stadium.
Despite the enthusiasm for the project, there are still hurdles to overcome. Concerns surrounding the legality of using unclaimed funds for stadium construction have led to a lawsuit that will need resolution before the state can move forward with disbursement. Although the Browns are aiming for a stadium opening by 2029, the road ahead will require navigating significant legal and financial challenges.
In light of these developments, the communal interest in unclaimed funds presents a unique opportunity for the public to potentially influence how resources are allocated in their community. The involvement of former players might lead to a clearer connection between the past and the future of the team, further engaging fans and residents alike in the ongoing conversation about the Browns’ next chapter.