Well football fans, Johnny Manziel is finally BACK.

After what felt like an eternity away fromfootball, the 26-year-old hit field for his first set of series as a Hamilton Tiger-Cat. Manziel made a few plays that reminded his fans why he was a first round NFL pick (once upon a time), but anyone following his story understands that Friday night’s performance was about much more than football. The former Texas A&M QB endured multiple legal and mental health issues over the past few years, so seeing him make his way onto the field was a huge accomplishment in itself. After the preseason loss, Manziel’s wife Breana Tiesi released an emotional Instagram post on her account.

(See Bre's profile for full message)

Someone cutting onions or somethin’?

Manziel fared well in his first performance, finishing the game 9/12 for 80 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. Here’s a look at how his first drive played out.

After the game, he let the league know that he's not backing down from anyone.

It’s amazing to think that after everything; the good times and the bad ones, Johnny Football is now a member of the CFL. Things are going to get real interesting if he can grab ahold of the starting job.

(H/T Breana Tiesi)