When it comes to an eventual shoe endorsement, Johnny Manziel will have to decide if he wants to be a big fish in a small pond or vice versa.
According to Matthew Kish of the Portland Business Journal, Manziel met Wednesday with Nike executives at the company’s Oregon campus.
It would only seem obvious considering Manziel’s friendship with LeBron James.
A Nike spokesman confirmed Johnny Manziel, known as Johnny Football, is meeting with Nike executives, but declined to comment about the nature of the meeting.
Nike is likely making a pitch to sign Manziel, just like Under Armour did a month ago.
If so, the pitch will likely include a tour ofNike’s top-secret research lab where it develops its most innovative products. Under CEO Mark Parker, Nike has spent millions to develop everything from products that help athletes run faster to those that help athletes recover quicker.
Manziel has several ties to Nike, including adeal with some of Nike athlete LeBron James’ representatives for “off-field” projects. He also worked with some of the nation’s top high school quarterbacks at last year’s Elite 11 camp on Nike’s campus.
While signing top athletes is integral to Nike’s brand, endorsement deals rarely have a direct impact on the company or its stock.
Manziel wil have several options when it comes to shoe and apparel endorsements. Nike isn’t a bad one.