LeBron James' Marketing Agency Ends Relationship With Johnny Manziel
By Kyle Koster
Johnny Manziel’s future as an NFL quarterback isn’t as bright as a few months ago and neither is his future as a pitchman. The soon-to-be former Cleveland Brown has lost another ally in that department as LRMR, LeBron James’ marketing agency, will no longer work with Manziel.
"“We’ve decided to end our formal business relationship with Johnny,” said Maverick Carter, James’ long-time friend and business partner who runs LRMR, the agency which until now had represented Manziel in endorsement deals. “I will continue to support and advise him as a friend,” Carter said. “However, because Johnny needs to focus on personal growth, the next phase of his career and because LRMR continues to expand beyond marketing, we made the mutual decision that it was best to terminate our business relationship.”"
While few would argue Manziel has helped his public perception with his numerous incidents this year, the move may not be entirely reactionary. LRMR is shifting its focus to James’ business deals instead of endorsements, meaning Manziel’s departure was a likely eventuality.
Manziel signed with the agency in 2014 and has secured deals with Nissan, Snickers, McDonald’s and MusclePharm since then.
James, who has been a very public supporter of the quarterback, offered his thoughts Wednesday on all the drama.
"“I don’t know all the details on it, I really kind of even haven’t been all up on it, but I’ve heard a little bit of it and it’s just a distraction for not only himself but for everyone that’s around him, including family, people that represent him, the people around him,” James said. He’ll figure it out at some point, we all hope.”"
Manziel now becomes an interesting free agent for another agency that wants to take a gamble with a high-risk, high-reward client.