Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about players in all of college football—not just for what he’s doing on the field, but for how familiar it all feels. With the rise of his nickname, “Money Mateer,” comparisons to former Texas A&M star Johnny Manziel—better known as “Johnny Football”—have naturally followed.
The nickname alone draws a clear parallel. Both quarterbacks were at big-time programs, both burst onto the scene with a blend of flair and fire, and both have that rare ability to energize a team just by stepping on the field. But Mateer has been quick to push back on any idea that he’s trying to be Johnny Manziel 2.0.
“Money Mateer” and the Johnny Manziel Comparison
A Subtle Jab and a Clear Message
Asked about the Manziel comparisons, Mateer responded with a smirk and a now-viral line: “I’m going to church every Sunday morning.” It was a playful but pointed remark—a subtle dig at Manziel’s well-known off-field behavior, and a statement that while their styles may look similar, Mateer is writing a very different personal story.
It’s not often you see a young quarterback embrace the spotlight while still making a point to draw boundaries. For Mateer, the message is clear: he respects the comparison, but he’s not looking to be anyone’s copy.
Similar Swagger, Similar Skillset
Still, it’s hard to ignore how alike they are when the ball is snapped.
Both quarterbacks play the game with a gunslinger’s mentality. They aren’t afraid to take risks, stretch plays, or throw into tight windows. They’re the kind of players who can turn a busted play into a 30-yard gain and leave defenders, and fans, shaking their heads in disbelief.
Mobility is a defining trait, too. Manziel made a name for himself by escaping the pocket and turning chaos into opportunity. Mateer, though early in his career, shows the same instincts: a quick first step, eyes always downfield, and the confidence to run when needed.
Then there’s the swagger. Not arrogance—but belief. Mateer has that same infectious confidence that Manziel had during his college heyday. Teammates feed off it. Coaches trust it. Opponents fear it.
The Difference in the Details
But while the on-field similarities are striking, there are key differences in how the two carry themselves off the field—and that may be what Mateer cares most about.
Manziel was always a lightning rod for controversy, even while dominating SEC defenses. His party lifestyle and outspoken persona often overshadowed his brilliance on Saturdays. Mateer, by contrast, seems to be choosing a path that values control, discipline, and a sense of personal direction.
That doesn’t mean he lacks personality—just that he’s steering it with purpose. He wants the headlines to come from his performance, not his nightlife.
Carving His Own Legacy
“Money Mateer” might have started as a catchy nickname, but it’s quickly turning into something more: a symbol of potential, of leadership, and maybe even a new era for Oklahoma football. And while comparisons to Manziel are flattering, Mateer seems more focused on building a career that reflects who he is—not who he reminds people of.
If he keeps playing the way he has—making big throws, escaping pressure, and showing up in clutch moments—the nickname will stick. But if he keeps controlling the narrative the way he has off the field, it won’t be long before people stop saying “he looks like Johnny Manziel” and start saying “he is John Mateer.”
Main Image: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
