For Johnny Manziel, declaring for the NFL Draft is not only about collecting game paychecks, it is also about finally being able to profit off his own name and likeness.

Fox Sports and several other news outlets have reported a professional partnership between Manziel and LRMR, a marketing firm owned by LeBron James, is imminent. The partnership will potentially do wonders for Manziel's career before he is even selected in May's draft.

James, a four-time NBA MVP and two-time champion, is one of the most recognizable athletes in the world thanks to success on and off the field. His business partner and longtime friend, LRMR CEO Maverick Carter, has negotiated several of James' lucrative endorsement deals.

For example, he has his own shoe with Nike, he has donned video game covers and he is in countless commercials for Gatorade, cell phones and much more. Like James, Manziel is turning pro with a catchy nickname (Johnny Football), huge amateur success and a whole lot of hype.

"At the end of the day, (Manziel) is an unbelievable competitor," James told reporters before the Miami Heat's Thursday night matchup with the New York Knicks. "And we love what he brings to the table as far as being a football player and as far as being a young man that's trying to strive for greatness. So we're just happy to be a friend of his and be able to help him."

What the deal means for Manziel is he will likely be signing endorsements with major companies before he even gets drafted. He will not have to worry about local endorsements until then, because for now, he can be seen on the national level. Teams will want to draft him not only for his on-field skill, but for the fans he will put in the seats.

What it means for James is a glimpse at a career post-NBA. Athletes Manziel's age and younger watched James go from high school sensation to basketball elite and whole other generation will grow up watching him go down in history as on of the greatest.

Many aspire to James' level of professional success and market visibility, and right now, Johnny Football starts his path to achieve just that.

Related