The Cleveland Browns‘ ambitious $2.4 billion stadium project is progressing toward reality but in an unusual twist, as their former quarterback, Johnny Manziel, may inadvertently contribute to its construction.
Though his NFL career in Cleveland was short-lived and turbulent, Manziel‘s name could resurface in Browns history this time in connection with a financial footnote as the team plans to overhaul their facilities.
To help cover the staggering cost of the planned domed stadium in Brook Park, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine recently signed off on a state budget that includes a $600 million contribution toward the project.
However, the source of that funding has raised eyebrows. Instead of coming from new taxes or bonds, the money is set to be drawn from Ohio’s pot of unclaimed funds, which includes the 32-year-old’s name, who last played for the FCF Zappers in indoor football.
According to a recent post online, the former Browns quarterback has at least two unclaimed funds under his name listed on Ohio’s government website. One is from NFL Players Inc. and is valued at more than $100. The other, from ADT Security, falls between $50 and $100.
“Looks like Johnny Manziel has unclaimed funds from the NFLPA that will be going to the Browns new stadium,” McNeil wrote, sharing a screenshot of the public record. Although they’re minor, it’s still amusing to fans.
Under Ohio law, unclaimed funds are assets that have been dormant for years, such as uncashed checks, forgotten utility deposits, or unredeemed stock dividends. The state currently holds $4.8 billion in such funds.
Starting from January 1, 2026, any asset that has been unclaimed for over a decade can be redirected toward public infrastructure specifically, in this case, the Browns‘ stadium as they prepare to move on from the Huntington Bank Field.
Manziel, the 22nd overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, played just two seasons with the Browns before his career unraveled due to performance and off-field issues. If his funds remain untouched past the January 2026 threshold, they will become eligible for reallocation to the stadium fund.
He is not alone either as his fellow quarterback, Baker Mayfield, has multiple unclaimed accounts in Ohio, although none exceed $100; as does Andy Dalton, formerly of the Cincinnati Bengals, who is listed with unclaimed funds.
People rush to take back their unclaimed funds
The state’s announcement appears to have triggered a rush among residents to reclaim forgotten assets, as according to Fox 8 Cleveland, Ohioans filed for their unclaimed funds in record numbers during the first week of July-up 83% compared to prior weeks.
Although the stadium is projected to be completed by the 2029 NFL season, the project still faces obstacles and chief among them is a pending lawsuit that challenges the legality of reallocating unclaimed funds for stadium construction.
Until the courts resolve that dispute, the state’s ability to release the $600 million remains uncertain. The proposed stadium will replace the current Huntington Bank Field and will be located in Brook Park, a suburb just west of Cleveland.
It has the potential to level up Cleveland sports as the site is expected to feature a retractable roof, offering year-round usability for not just Browns games, but major events including concerts, NCAA tournaments, and Super Bowls.
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