Johnny Manziel returns to partying ways with weekend in Vegas

Johnny Manziel still loves to party.

Hard to believe, isn’t it?

The quarterback drafted 22nd overall by the Cleveland Browns earlier this month posted photos on Instagram of himself living it up in Vegas this weekend with the likes of New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, former “Jersey Shore” star DJ Pauly D and a bunch of bikini-clad beauties.

But just in case we were worried that the more mature Johnny Football we’ve seen during recent months was merely a pre-draft mirage (we would never think that, would we?), Manziel also posted a photo of his Browns playbook sitting on his plane tray with the caption, “Guess it’s impossible to enjoy the weekend and study?”

Of course, it’s a little hard to study a book that’s closed and has two things piled on top of it, but the flight from Las Vegas to Cleveland is a long one.

Obviously, Manziel was doing nothing wrong (as far as we know) in Vegas, just having a good time. Probably letting off some steam after months of being on his best behavior, with a tough road ahead in trying to win the starting job in Cleveland.

But it’s also understandable if Browns fans are a bit concerned that their quarterback of the future is across the country partying just days before off-season team activities started. Especially considering Manziel’s reputation.

Here’s the thing, though -- he doesn’t care what any of us think, or else he wouldn’t have posted the pictures. Now should he care what Browns fans think? And should Browns fans care if he doesn’t care about what they think?

Maybe. But the folks in charge of their beloved team had to know what they were getting into in drafting Johnny Football. Apparently they thought some off-field antics would be outweighed by some eventual on-field heroics. It remains to be seen whether they were right.

In the meantime, the OTAs kicked off Wednesday, with Manziel taking 11-on-11 snaps with the second team. His first pass, intended for Pro Bowl tight end Jordan Cameron, was nearly intercepted.

So far no photos of that play on Manziel’s Instagram page.