Manziel and Carter Settle Defamation Lawsuit

A judge signed an agreed dismissal ending the case, with both parties covering their own court costs and attorney fees.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Football

Manziel and Carter Settle Defamation Lawsuit

Johnny Manziel and MaKenzie Carter reached a settlement resolving Manziel's civil defamation lawsuit against Carter. Judge Jerrell Wise signed an agreed dismissal on August 21, 2026, dismissing the case with prejudice.

Why it matters

The settlement ends a legal dispute that centered on claims that Carter spread false stories about Manziel on social media and emailed his friends, family, and business associates. The dismissal also dissolves a temporary injunction issued in March.

The case was dismissed with prejudice under an agreed order signed by Judge Jerrell Wise, which dissolved the temporary injunction issued in March. Both Manziel and Carter must pay their own court costs and attorney fees, and no further claims or motions remain pending.

The players

Johnny Manziel

Former Texas A&M and NFL quarterback who filed the civil defamation lawsuit against MaKenzie Carter.

MaKenzie Carter

College Station resident named as the defendant in Manziel's defamation lawsuit, who agreed to settle the case.

Jerrell Wise

Texas judge who signed the agreed dismissal ending the case and dissolving the temporary injunction.

The details

Manziel alleged that Carter spread fabricated stories about him on multiple social media platforms and emailed false claims to his friends, family members, and business associates, damaging his business relationships. A joint motion filed by both parties reported that they had reached a settlement, after which the court issued the agreed dismissal.

March 2026: A temporary injunction was issued in the case.
August 21, 2026: Judge Jerrell Wise signed the agreed dismissal ending the case.
November 5, 2026: KBTX published an article reporting the settlement.

Legal Context

Manziel has been a frequent subject of public legal and media attention since his time as a Heisman-winning quarterback at Texas A&M and his NFL career. This settlement resolves one such dispute through a dismissal rather than a trial verdict.

With the case dismissed with prejudice, neither party can refile these claims, so the dispute will not return to court. Both sides bear their own legal costs, which means no judgment or damages will be paid out.

The takeaway

Public disputes between former athletes and private individuals can be resolved quietly through settlement, leaving the terms largely undisclosed. Readers following similar disputes should expect dismissal orders to be the main public record.