National Football League

Namath on Manziel: 'He's gotta live his life'

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 3:08 p.m. ET

Connor Kiesel

Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel can add a Super Bowl-winning quarterback to his stable of supporters.

Former New York Jets, and Hall of Fame, quarterback Joe Namath stood up for Manziel in an interview on NFL Network. When asked about Manziel's off-the-field activities, Namath said. "What difference does it make? Really. It is an example of the different eras and times."

Namath didn't get his "Broadway Joe" moniker for being shy -- he seized the limelight, strutting down the sideline in a fur coat and inserting himself into the nightlife scene.

"Football is a sport but it is show biz. It is entertainment," Namath said.

Namath just wants Manziel to be able to live his life, as Namath had more freedom to back in his day.

Manziel has said so much as well, making it known he will "live his life to the fullest" despite the scrutiny, when reporters grilled him about his widely-chronicled trip to Las Vegas.

"Give him some room," Namath said. "I've been to Vegas. You guys have probably been to Vegas. At his position, he's not entitled to be a regular guy at 21 years old. Everything's blown out of whack.

"I'd love him on my team," Namath said, praising Manziel's ability to keep plays alive.

Namath guaranteed his Jets would beat the Colts in Super Bowl III in the leadup to the game. Manziel promised he'd bring the Browns a Super Bowl -- before he was even drafted by the team.

That's "Johnny Cleveland" taking "Broadway Joe" to another level.