Former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel made his CFL debut on Saturday night. But he didn’t make his debut, because he didn’t play.
Manziel remained on the bench throughout a 28-14 loss by the Hamilton Tiger-Cats to the Calgary Stampeders. Tiger-Cats starter Jeremiah Masoli (pictured) completed 25 of 36 passes for 344 yards and one interception. Masoli also had a rushing touchdown, with two yards on 12 carries.
Despite the 14-point deficit, Hamilton led the game entering the fourth quarter, 11-9. Calgary outscored Hamilton in the fourth quarter, 19-3. If Hamilton finds itself significantly behind at an earlier stage of a given game, maybe Manziel will get a chance to enter the game and turn things around.
Hamilton plays at Edmonton on Friday night. The following Friday, Hamilton will make its home opener, against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.