By Jeremy Fowler
ESPN.com
CLEVELAND -- Johnny Manziel has been released from a rehab treatment facility, multiple sources told ESPN.
The Browns expect Manziel to attend offseason workouts starting April 20, though they could see him earlier than that.
Manziel checked into the facility on Jan. 28 in an effort to "be a better family member, friend and teammate," family attorney Brad Beckworth said in a statement issued to ESPN on Feb. 3. The exact nature of Manziel's treatment is unclear, but the facility that treated him specializes in drug and alcohol rehabilitation. The former Heisman Trophy winner spent more than two months in the facility.
The Browns will work Manziel back into the quarterback room as part of a fresh start with a new offensive staff headed by coordinator John DeFilippo and quarterbacks coach Kevin O'Connell, who trained Manziel before the 2014 draft.
Browns coach Mike Pettine, who has visited Manziel this offseason, says football takes a "backseat" to Manziel's health.
"For his football life to get it where it needs to be, he needs to get the personal life where it needs to be," Pettine said at the NFL owners meetings last month in Phoenix. "This takes precedence, so however long of time he needs, the football will be there when he gets out."
Manziel was allowed to make trips as part of his treatment. He went golfing with family in Louisiana over Easter weekend, and he also visited a hospital to see patients.
Several sources close to Manziel have stressed he was "doing great" with his treatment and eager to return to football activities. Some friends have been reached via telephone to speak with Manziel, while others have been asked to write letters, relayed through Beckworth.
Upon return, Manziel is expected to compete with Josh McCown for the starting job. McCown might have the inside track on the job after signing a three-year, $14 million contract with $6.25 million guaranteed.
"When [Manziel] is back, it will be full speed ahead for him," Pettine said. "I think he's very anxious at this point. We'll be prepared as we will with every other player. When they get back to town, we're going to coach the heck out of them."
