The end of an era
January 7, 2014Cavs vs 76ers Behind The Box Score: A Relaxing Blowout
January 7, 2014Though he has yet to officially announce his plans to enter the upcoming NFL Draft, Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel has reportedly agreed to sign a deal with Maverick Carter and Cleveland’s LRMR. Per ESPN’s Darren Rovell, Manziel has chosen Select Sports Group out of Houston to be his contract agency and LRMR, the firm run by Carter, LeBron James’ childhood friend, will be responsible for his marketing.
In his latest mock draft, ESPN’s Todd McShay projects Manziel to be the fourth overall pick, the pick presently owned by the Cleveland Browns, a team in dire need of a quarterback. Per Rovell, Manziel has reportedly always admired James’ “off-the-court business empire.” Manziel was seen sitting court side with Carter at a recent match-up between the Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors. The quarterback famously made headlines for treating himself to court-side seats for an NBA Finals game last season, also featuring James and the Heat.
Last month, Manziel said he befriended James while he was being investigated by the NCAA this summer for signing autographs for memorabilia brokers. The quarterback told “The Dan Patrick Show” that the two athletes would send texts to each other every day during that time.
“Everyone was coming after me, and there was so much criticism,” Manziel said. “I feel like LeBron deals with that every single day of his life.”
If Rovell’s report proves to be true, prepare for several months of discussion surrounding “brand” and locations where Manziel may (or may not) be able to maximize his earnings potential outside of his NFL rookie contract. Safe to assume that Cleveland, an market where the most popular football player does local Chevrolet dealership commercials, would be on not-so-marketing-friendly lists.
[Related: Jimmy Haslam and Johnny Manziel: A match made in the south]
8 Comments
In the NFL the QB of a team in a Wisconsin city the size of Canton is doing nationally televised commercials. I’m not sure that the city is all that relevant to your marketing opportunities if you win.
Still think Cleveland needs to trade up with STL to get Manziel.
Marketing executives like winners, regardless of what city they’re in.
I hope we get to settle with bortles
If they’re gonna trade up, trade up with HOU and get Bridgewater if HOU is serious about trading out …
Not me.
If not Bridgewater or Watkins I could grow to appreciate Bortles. I just can’t help shake the feeling taking one of these other QBs not named Bridgewater will be a mistake.
Agreed but I have to think new head coach Bill O’Brien likes having the #1 overall with a chance to upgrade what has been a real area of weakness in Houston at QB.