Proverbs 3: 5-6 states the following: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

For 2012 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel, this biblical passage has guided him into joining one of the most exclusive fraternities in all of sports. Manziel lists Proverbs 3: 5-6 on his Twitter profile – further displaying the importance of the words in his life.

“I tell myself everyday that God has a plan for me,” said the 20-year-old native of Kerrville, Texas. “I’m here for a reason and whatever happens in the future is meant to happen for a reason. I always make sure to trust the Lord with all my heart.”

Manziel, the quarterback of Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, became the first-ever freshman to win the prestigious award. The announcement of the 78th annual Heisman Trophy winner was made Dec. 8 at the Marriott Marquis, Manhattan.

During the season, Manziel earned the nickname “Johnny Football” based on his electric style of play for the Aggies. He passed for an impressive 3,419 yds. and 24 touchdowns and also rushed for 1,181 yds. and 19 touchdowns. He became the first quarterback in Southeastern Conference history to have at least 3,000 passing yds. and 1,000 rushing yds. in the same season.

With the award, Manziel, now known as “Johnny Heisman,” joins running back John David Crow (1957) as the only Texas A&M Aggies to win the Heisman. Manziel finished well ahead of the two other finalists: senior middle linebacker Manti Te’o from the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Ind., and senior quarterback Collin Klein from Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kan.

Just like his talents on the football field, Manziel’s faith was a major factor in his breakout season. In his acceptance speech, he was sure to thank his parents for bringing him up around the church.

“This has been an absolute blessing for me,” Manziel said. “Just to be here is awesome, but to win it, that just takes it a step further. It’s something I’ll never forget.”

Manziel’s journey does not end now that he’s won the Heisman. The 10-2 Aggies, ranked No. 9 in the nation, will play the No. 11 University of Oklahoma, Norman, Okla., Sooners in the AT&T Cotton Bowl on Jan. 4, 2013 in Arlington, Texas.