Johnny Manziel's BFF -- 'He's Working Out all the Time' ... 'Getting His Life Together' (VIDEO)

Johnny Manziel's party pal, OVO Ryan, says the ex-NFL star has turned a corner ... and is now finally focused on working out and reclaiming his football career.

Yeah ... we've heard that before.

But this time, Ryan -- who's partied with Manziel all over the country -- says Johnny is "doing a comeback all on his own" and is "working out all the time."

We also asked Ryan straight up how he feels about people saying he's a bad influence on Manziel -- he gives a very interesting response.

Of course, OVO Ryan raged with Manziel at Coachella and also allegedly drove the car that slammed into a pole on the Sunset Strip earlier this year.