Johnny & LeBron
The best result of the Browns drafting former Heisman Trophy quarterback Johnny Manziel with the 22 overall pick may not even be on the football field. Johnny Cleveland could just be the final straw in luring two-time NBA Champion Lebron James back home to Cleveland.
America is obsessed with both James and Manziel, so putting them together could create a brand worth massive amounts of money. As much as these two buddies want to win, the dollars always talk.
Reports are that one of Lebron’s ‘stipulations’ for a return to Cleveland was that the team goes out and drafts Manziel. I mean, I’m sure this wasn’t the “make it or break it” request, but it helps. These two playing in the same city opens that window for marketing together. I totally understand why this was of importance to the 11 year veteran.
From the standpoint of a Cleveland sports fan, all I can say is wow. What a treat it would be to cheer on both LBJ and Manziel each and every fall as they represent our respective hometown teams. Winning is guarantee with Lebron back on the Cavs, and we saw the incredible abilities of the former Aggie back in his college days.
So now all we can do is wait and see what the King will do. And it’s already killing me.
From an unbiased perspective, Cleveland looks to be the best option. We’ve got a young nucleus of talent, the #1 overall pick, not Mike Brown, Johnny Football, and most importantly a chance for redemption. As stoic as Lebron may be in front of the media, there’s no question in my mind that the fact that he never won a championship in Cleveland kills him. It’s probably been eating away at him for the last four years, of course watered-down during his years of victory.
As this year’s finals dwindled down, I started to get the vibe that it was again time for a change for the King. That’s also the feeling we’ve had with the Browns for a very long time. The need for change is what could potentially bring these two stars together. But it’s the desire for greatness that will lead this city to the top. I’m just hoping I get to buckle up, because we’re potentially in store for one hell of a ride.
-Zach Shafron
