Jim Brown is an influential figure around Cleveland Browns territory.
He’s the franchise’s all-time leading rusher and a Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, making his feelings toward current Cleveland players about as powerful as they can get.
The 78-year-old shared his thoughts on Browns rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel on Friday, telling ESPN Cleveland’s “The Really Big Show” that he likes the first-round pick based on performances in college and isn’t worried about his off-the-field actions.
“I like Johnny, you know, I like his type,” Brown said. “Johnny is a champion, Johnny won games in college. He won the Heisman Trophy as a freshman, didn’t he? … That’s pretty bold. Not bad. You got to have something going on to do that.”
Manziel’s off-the field antics have concerned the Browns this year, before the 21-year-old has even taken a single regular season snap.
But Brown doesn’t see anything wrong with Manziel’s actions thus far.
“You’ve got to remember, I’m an ex-player,” Brown said. “We used to party. Let’s get real, man, we chase girls.”
“There’s nothing wrong with it,” Brown added.
Cleveland fans are hoping that Brown’s comments are true. With reports that Manziel likely won’t start in the first week of the regular season, however, they might have to wait longer than expected to find out.
Photo via Twitter/@ESPNCleveland
