Is the Heisman reserved only for paragons of prudence?

Experience is the best teacher.

The experienced have learned life’s lessons. Therefore, they can impart wisdom upon a protégé. One who has already negotiated life’s curves can guide another through obstacles and pitfalls that lie ahead.

Socrates mentored Plato. Andrew Carnegie mentored Charles Schwab. Ralph Waldo Emerson mentored Henry David Thoreau. Theodore Roosevelt mentored William Howard Taft. Obi-Wan Kenobi mentored Luke Skywalker.

Apparently, Heisman Trophy recipients are willing to mentor Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel, who has been a lightning rod for criticism since winning the Heisman last December.

He’s been criticized for taking online classes. He’s been ripped for posing with bikini-clad beauties while on spring break. Some were upset that he got a temporary Texas Longhorns tattoo. Some are appalled by his Twitter activity. He’s been condemned for going to a casino, for opening a bottle of champagne, for attending the Super Bowl and NBA All-Star game, for hanging out with rappers, actors and LeBron James.

A judge scolded him via Facebook for getting a speeding ticket.

An Orlando, Fla. newspaper columnist even suggested that no freshman should be allowed to win the Heisman because of Manziel’s exploits.

ESPN college football analyst Andre Ware, who won the Heisman in 1989 as the University of Houston quarterback, even took it upon himself to offer Manziel advice.

“Tone it down,” Ware said. “You’re not the same guy you were before you won the Heisman Trophy. There’s a responsibility that comes with it to not only to yourself and the Texas A&M program, but for past Heisman winners as well.”

So Manziel’s behavior somehow taints the sanctity of the trophy?

In that case, Manziel should anticipate even more advice from Heisman recipients. In fact, the diligent reporters at TexAgs uncovered e-mails from other Heisman winners offering Manziel advice.

Here’s a few examples:

• Hi, Johnny. Just wanted to offer some advice from one Heisman winner to another. Don’t sell any of your memorabilia. If you do, don’t break into any hotels or hold people at gunpoint to regain the memorabilia. And one more thing: Never buy gloves that fit. Because if the glove don’t fit … well, you know. Yours truly, O.J. Simpson.
  
  
• Johnny. You may not have heard of me, but I’m sure your grandfather remembers when I won the Heisman. Anyway, a word of advice: Make all the money you can. Wait … let me rephrase that. EARN all the money you can. I don’t want my advice to be counterfeit … er, counterproductive. All the best, Billy Cannon.
  
  
• Hey, JFF: Congratulations on winning the Heisman and best of luck this season. If you take anything (like a house) from an agent, be sure to sign with that agent. And if any Kardashians call … just hang up the phone. See you in the NFL, Reggie Bush.
  
  
• Johnny: Consider getting adopted by new parents. I’d suggest mine. My dad would’ve told A&M that “it’s going to take more than just a scholarship” to get you. He wanted $180,000 for me. He would’ve demanded at least that much for you. Check you later, Cam Newton. {"Module":"quote","Alignment":"right","Quote":"Johnny: Consider getting adopted by new parents. I’d suggest mine. My dad would’ve told A&M that “it’s going to take more than just a scholarship” to get you. He wanted $180,000 for me. He would’ve demanded at least that much for you. Check you later, Cam Newton.","Author":""}
  Mr. Manziel: I’m more than three-times your age, but I bet your grandfather has heard of me. Actually, I’ll bet on anything, including my own games. But the advice I have to offer is this: Don’t ever suggest lowering academic requirements to recruit minorities. As it turns out, a lot of minorities are really smart. Sincerely, Paul Hornung.
  
  
• Johnny: Be careful with your money. Don’t invest in nightclubs, apartment complexes, catfish restaurants, mini-supermarkets, radio stations, dry cleaners and/or water purifying businesses. It’s getting harder to file bankruptcy these days. Boomer! Billy Sims.
  
  
• Johnny: Consider getting adopted by new parents. I’d suggest mine. My dad would’ve told A&M that “it’s going to take more than just a scholarship” to get you. He wanted $180,000 for me. He would’ve demanded at least that much for you. Check you later, Cam Newton.
  
  
• My brother, Johnny: Avoid pre-marital sex. Yours, Tim Tebow.
  
  
• Duuuuuuuude: Avoid pre-marital sex. Child support payments are SUCH a buzz kill. And when you get drafted it’s probably not a good idea to hire Master P as your agent. Sincerely, Ricky Williams. PS: Like you Aggies always say … stay off the grass.

That’s a lot of good advice from several Heisman Trophy winners. And with mentors like them, Heisman recipients should never worry about being embarrassed by Johnny Manziel.