For the first time at the Cleveland Browns' training camp, the spotlight was not on rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel.
LeBron James stole it.
The NBA star got his football fix on Thursday, turning up with his two sons to watch Manziel and the Browns practise.
James spent an hour watching a morning workout as the team prepared for Saturday’s exhibition opener at Detroit.
It was James’s first public appearance since re-signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers last month and his entrance caused quite a commotion.
Browns players were eager to meet him after practice and several had their photos taken with the four-time MVP, who is noticeably thinner after shedding some weight during the off-season.
Rookie cornerback Justin Gilbert ran into the locker room to grab his phone before returning to the field to shake hands with James.
“It’s awesome having him out here,” tackle Joe Thomas said. “He’s obviously the best player in our generation in the NBA. To have him back in Cleveland is awesome.”
James spoke for several minutes on the sideline with Browns coach Mike Pettine and safety Donte Whitner. He chatted near the locker room with Manziel, his friend and business partner.
“He just asked how camp was going,” Pettine said. “You could tell that he’s into it and loves football, a big Browns fan. He said he’ll be at the games when it’s warm, and when it’s cold he’ll be watching in his basement.”
James later walked off the field holding hands with sons LeBron Jr and Bryce.
Pettine also got his photo taken with James, who towered over every group.
“I do know I’m going to be a father of the year now,” Pettine said. “I got my daughter a picture with LeBron. She could care less about a picture with me.”
Pettine has had a big week, also having met Browns Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown for the first time. “When I got hired, somebody very quickly brought it up to me that I might have both of those opportunities,” he said. “Two things off the bucket list.”
James’s return has given Cleveland fans hope they may one day celebrate a championship.
It has been 50 years since the Browns captured the NFL title, the last Cleveland team to win it all. The baseball Indians last won a championship in 1948.
Pettine said all three teams can feed off each other.
“It’s hard to explain when it happens, but I think it kind of gets fed through the fans with the teams,” he said. “I don’t know how many of them are actual connecting with each other, but I think when the city gets revved up, I think you can have momentum from season to season.”
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