Diego Pavia, the standout quarterback from Vanderbilt, has agreed to a unique wager with former Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel ahead of the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
The two turned a recent conversation about speed and athleticism into a $2,000 bet tied to Pavia’s performance in Indianapolis.
The challenge originated during an appearance on the “Glory Daze” podcast, where Manziel, reflecting on his own combine days, offered Pavia a wager on how fast he could run.
Manziel recorded a 4.68second 40yard dash at the 2014 NFL Combine and believes he still has the edge on speed. Pavia did not hesitate to accept the challenge.
A competitive subplot at the combine
Rather than simply take the initial offer, Pavia raised the stakes by adding a second part to the bet.
He proposed that if he could not only beat Manziel‘s 40yard dash time but also run a faster 20yard shuttle drill, Manziel would owe him $2,000. Manziel agreed to put up the full amount on both drills, turning the combine workouts into a competitive duel between the two quarterbacks.
“I got a thousand, run a faster 5105,” Pavia said, referring to the shuttle drill that tests agility and quickness over short distances.
Both players are known for their mobility and ability to make plays outside of the pocket, which makes the wager especially fitting.
Manziel‘s 4.68 time and his 4.03second shuttle from his combine days set clear targets for Pavia to surpass.
If Pavia meets or exceeds those numbers, he keeps the $2,000, and bragging rights over the former Heisman winner. Should he fall short, Manziel gets to walk away with the cash and the win.
The bet adds an intriguing element to Pavia‘s appearance at the combine, where he hopes to improve his draft stock with a strong showing in front of NFL scouts.
Known for his competitive spirit and playmaking ability, Pavia could benefit both on the field and in his wallet if he posts impressive times in Indianapolis.
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