BEREA, Ohio — LeBron James has a rooting interest in the Browns’ renewed quarterback sweepstakes.
He’s a Johnny Football fan.
“I’m one of his biggest supporters,” James said of rookie Johnny Manziel.
With Cleveland coach Mike Pettine mulling a switch at quarterback with four games left, James said Manziel is prepared to play if the Browns decide to start him over Brian Hoyer this week against Indianapolis.
“He’s ready to go, but he’s still learning,” the NBA megastar said Monday after practice. “He’s a rookie, he’s still learning. If coach is ready for him to give him the nod, he’ll be ready to go, but he’s going to have some bumps and bruises, just like any other rookie quarterback would have in the NFL or any other professional sport.”
James’ marketing firm represents Manziel, and the two have become close. James said he speaks with Manziel weekly.
“He’s part of the family so of course I want him out there,” James said. “But that’s for the coach to decide, and I thought he played well in the two possessions he had yesterday.”
Manziel replaced a struggling Hoyer in the fourth quarter and led an 80-yard drive he capped with a 10-yard touchdown run.
Pettine hasn’t decided if he’ll turn Cleveland’s offense over to Manziel, who had only been on the field for five plays before Sunday, when he completed 5 of 8 passes for 63 yards.
“A couple hiccups,” Pettine said, describing Manziel’s performance. “I think it was 13 snaps that he played. Handful of minuses, but showed good energy, made some throws.”
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