Posted on Foxsports.com | February 10, 2014
When Johnny Manziel makes the news, it is often times due to attending a high-profile party or sitting courtside with LeBron James at an NBA game. So it certainly can’t be overlooked when Johnny Football’s softer side makes an appearance to make one 6-year-old cancer survivor’s day.
Last week, Manziel took some time off from his NFL Draft preparation in San Diego to fly to Houston to attend a fashion show fundraiser put on by specialty retailer Tootsies on behalf of 6-year-old cancer survivor Charlie Dina.
Dina, who’s fight against neuroblastoma has included a bone marrow transplant, five rounds of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, has developed a special bond with Manziel since 2012, with the young fan being spotted at numerous Texas A&M games in College Station.
“I was here for Charlie,” Manziel told Culture Map Houston. “I’ve been in training for the last month in San Diego and I flew in just for Charlie.”
Among the attendees at the charity fashion show was Texans vice chairman and chief operation officer Cal McNair, son of team owner Bob McNair, who actually gave Manziel a high-five as he walked down the runway with Dina to end the event. McNair, who wanted to make sure that there were no false messages sent by the Texans, was careful to not be photographed with the soon-to-be top NFL quarterback. Houston’s general manager Rick Smith and his wife Tiffany were also attending as one of the couples featured in the Valentine’s Day-themed fundraiser.
Though new Texans head coach Bill O’Brien is reportedly not sold on Manziel’s work ethic, it certainly helps his case to be the No. 1 overall pick with a couple high-ranking team officials witnessing him making a young cancer survivor’s day.
Follow Shawn Ramsey on Twitter: @ShawnPRamsey
