Almost two months after tearing his Achilles tendon, Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton was seen at a Drake concert. Among the other attendees was former NFL quarterback Johnny Manziel.
Achilles tendon tears take a while to recover from, as athletes are not only trying to get back to where they were, but also trying to prevent other injuries. Manziel revealed what he saw from Haliburton when the two hung out.
Johnny Manziel Reveals the Latest on Tyrese Haliburton
During his appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Manziel revealed what he took away from his conversation with Haliburton.
“I spoke to him for probably 10 to 15 minutes last night walking around on a boot, obviously been with (Kevin Durant) a lot… I think for him, seeing him at dinner last night in really good spirits… From what I saw last night in the conversation we had, what a guy, I think he’s on the right path. He’ll be back,” Manziel said.
“It was awesome seeing @TyHaliburton22 last night..
He’s in really good spirits” ~ @JManziel2 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/r3U0yOqunE
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) August 14, 2025
Haliburton has been impressive for the Pacers since they acquired him, as he has taken them to two consecutive Eastern Conference finals (the first time that has happened since the Paul George era) and then to their first NBA Finals appearance since 2000, during the Reggie Miller days.
Achilles tendon tears are no picnic, but it helps to have patience and the right attitude. If what Manziel is saying is true, Haliburton has both at the moment. That is impressive because such a devastating and typically career-altering injury can affect a star’s psyche, but Haliburton appears to be taking the right approach.
The timing of Haliburton’s injury carries significant weight for the 2025–26 NBA season. It has already influenced the Pacers’ offseason strategy, leading the team to avoid the luxury tax by letting Myles Turner walk in free agency.
While Indiana hopes to reach the same heights it achieved last season, doing so without Haliburton will be no easy task. Both Haliburton and the Pacers must approach this cautiously and avoid rushing his comeback.
Pacers president of basketball operations Kevin Pritchard has ruled out any chance of Haliburton playing in the upcoming season but voiced confidence that the team’s cornerstone will return to his old form. Haliburton, for his part, said his recovery is moving forward and revealed he’s been taking guidance from Durant.
