Between his scrambling, play-making ability, Heisman Trophy aspirations, and even a similar name and nickname, Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer has been drawing a lot of comparisons to former Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel. However, although honored, Mateer made it clear that he’s not the same as Manziel, at least off the field.
Mateer led the No. 11 Sooners on a game-winning drive that was capped by his diving nine-yard touchdown run to beat No. 22 Auburn in their SEC opener on Saturday in Norman. He was again the star of OU‘s offense while throwing for 271 yards, leading the team in rushing yards and being responsible for both of the Sooners’ TDs.
John Mateer embraces Money nickname but says he’s no Johnny Manziel off field
Johnny on the spot 🎯 pic.twitter.com/ALozylc7oC
— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) September 21, 2025
Even before the season kicked off, thanks to a false sports gambling accusation that went viral on social media, Mateer was deemed by many “Moneyline Mateer,” which eventually became just “Money Mateer.” Then, after fans saw Mateer actually play, that nickname was confirmed a perfect fit.
“I like it,” Mateer said postgame after beating Auburn. “I don’t want to do the ‘Money Manziel’ (celebration) like (Manziel). Me and him are probably kind of different people. He’s awesome, but his stories are a little different than mine. Shoutout.
“But it’s cool to have a nickname, to have something that people can root for. It’s awesome, and I’m honored to have that.”
Manziel was the first freshman to ever win the Heisman Trophy in 2012 and was eventually a first-round NFL Draft pick. However, Manziel was most famous for his off-the-field antics and frequent appearances at parties, which is what Mateer was referencing to as far as differences.
When Mateer was leaving the postgame press conference, according to SoonerScoop’s George Stoia, his co-worker Eddie Radosevich asked Mateer to better explain the differences between him and Manziel, and Mateer delivered the perfect response.
“I’m going to church in the morning,” Mateer said.
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