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Von Miller remains one of Johnny Manziel's biggest advocates. Both played at Texas A&M, both were first-round picks, and both remain friends. But as one of the league's best players, Miller's about to get paid, while Manziel may have taken his last NFL snap after a forgettable two seasons in Cleveland and an offseason of non-stop partying.

"I want to be that consistent friend," Miller told SI.com's Greg Bishop recently. "I see the reports [of Manziel's drug use, rehab stints, etc.], but when I see him, I feel like he's at peace. I'll be the last guy who ever stops being friends with Johnny. Life is what's most important there. I still think he'll be a great NFL football player. But life is about more than just football."

Will Johnny Manziel ever play in the NFL again? USATSI

This is the first time this year we've heard someone refer to Manziel "at peace." Early in 2015, following a rocky rookie season, Manziel spent 10 weeks in a treatment facility. He emerged a different person, at least according to his teammates.

Last May, linebacker Karlos Dansby said that Manziel had "grown up right before our eyes," adding: "He made a decision to help him be a better man [by going to treatment]. And that's all at the end of the day that's all we want, we want him to be the best person he can possibly be, because him being the best he can possibly be is going to be the best player that the Browns can possibly have on the field."

It didn't work out that way, of course. Manziel started just six games in 2015, and hours before the season finale, he was reportedly spotted partying in Las Vegas while wearing a disguise to avoid detection.

Just a few weeks ago, Dansby, who is now with the Bengals, admitted that "I probably would have committed suicide" if he faced the nonstop scrutiny that Manziel has to deal with.

Meanwhile, Miller remains upbeat. At various points this offseason, he has said that Manziel is on the right track, would already be a member of the Broncos if he was in charge, and "Everybody who has counted (Manziel) out is just wrong."

Maybe. But CBSSports.com's John Breech has a running list of some of the things Manziel has been up to this offseason, which only seems to reinforce the reality that returning to the NFL is the least of his concerns.