5 best Moments of Johnny Manziel's college football career

While many remember Johnny Manziel for his many off-field controversies, Texas A&M Aggies fans have fond memories of the polarizing quarterback.

Manziel became the first freshman to win the Heisman Trophy, Manning Award and the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award, cementing his status as one of college football's leading quarterbacks at the time.

Here is a list of the five best moments that etched Manziel in the memories of Aggies fans:

#5. vs. Duke (New Year's Eve, 2013)

Johnny Manziel's Texas A&M were up against the Duke Blue Devils on New Year's Eve in 2013. Manziel was on his last lap for the Aggies, as he was set to go on to the NFL draft the following year.

The Aggies left the field at halftime trailing Duke 38-17. With Manziel in charge of the offense for the second half, they bridged the 21-point deficit and won 52-48. His 382 passing yards for four touchdowns and another 73 rushing yards for a touchdown sealed the win.

#4. vs. Oklahoma (Cotton Bowl, 2012)

Johnny Manziel's dominance of Oklahoma in the 2012 Cotton Bowl was his moment of confirmation as a college football great. He posted 287 passing yards and 229 rushing yards for four touchdowns in the 41-13 destruction of the Sooners.

This performance came just after his Heisman Trophy win. All eyes were on him to prove he was worth the hype and he delivered.

Johnny Manziel had a lot of memorable moments at Texas A&M

#3. vs. Alabama (Nov. 10, 2012)

Manziel had a promising freshman season before the game against Alabama. But after that game, he went from having a solid season to laying a claim for the Heisman Trophy.

Alabama was ranked No. 1 coming into that game and hadn't lost at all that season. The Aggies, on the other hand, were ranked 15th and had suffered two losses. In front of their home fans at the Bryant-Denny Stadium, Manziel ended the game 24-of-31 for 253 passing yards with 92 rushing yards as the Aggies won 29-24. An infallible way to etch himself into the memories of the home fans.

#2. vs Louisiana Tech (Oct. 14, 2012)

Manziel posted one of his most incredible statistical performances in this game. Manziel's 395 passing yards for three touchdowns and another 181 yards for three touchdowns made the difference in the 59-57 win.

It didn't matter that these numbers came against a lower-ranked Louisiana Tech. It was mind-boggling to see a freshman putting up such a statline in a game, especially one that was so close.

#1. The Heisman Trophy

It is the highlight of Johnny Manziel's college football career. This singular achievement stands out when anyone looks back at his legacy. That isn't only because no other freshman had won it before Manziel, but also because it placed the ultimate seal on his college football career.

While Manziel could not translate his college football achievements into success in the NFL, he is still fondly remembered by Aggies fans.