National Football League

Count Browns legend Jim Brown among fans of Johnny Manziel

Published Aug. 16, 2014 2:00 p.m. ET

Lindsey Foltin

What does Browns Hall of Fame running back Jim Brown think of Johnny Manziel? Not only is he a big fan of the rookie quarterback, but the two actually have a lot more in common than you would think.

Brown recently told a Cleveland radio station that he likes Johnny Football and his winning ways.

"I like Johnny, you know, I like his type," Brown said during an interview with ESPN Cleveland on Friday. "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."

The 78-year-old also said he can relate to Manziel's party-boy lifestyle.

"You've got to remember, I'm an ex-player. We used to party. Let's get real, man, we chase girls."

Manziel's nightlife exploits have been well documented and while Brown made it clear that he doesn't condone drug and alcohol abuse, he has no problem with players having some fun off the field. "There's nothing wrong with it," Brown said.

Despite criticsm for his vibrant social life in the months leading up to training camp, Cleveland head coach Mike Pettine said Manziel has been a model citizen during camp who's been dedicated to football and improving. "He's ahead of where we expected him to be," Pettine said.

Manziel is still in the midst of a starting quarterback battle with Brian Hoyer — a decision that Brown is happy he doesn't have to make.

"I like both of them. I like their personalities. I like their drive. I like their attitude," Brown said via Cleveland.com. "The coach is in a great position, because if he makes a choice and it's not the right one, he has a second choice."