National Football League

Shockey says LeBron not NFL material

Published Nov. 19, 2009 6:05 p.m. ET

foxsports

LeBron James, NFL player. Just a fantasy, says New Orleans Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey. The Cavaliers' All-Star forward caused a stir this week by saying he could be "really good" if he committed himself to playing football. The remarks set off debate about James' football talents and prompted Browns coach Eric Mangini to joke that James should "come on down" and help his 1-8 team. Cleveland nose tackle Shaun Rogers initially sacked James' belief. Now Shockey has piled on. On his Twitter page, Shockey wrote: "Everyone trust me Lebron James could not play in the NFL! espn is crazy to even think he could even make a practice squad. hes a 4.9 40 time." James was an All-State wide receiver in high school.