National Football League

Browns GM stresses patience, says Manziel can be 'solid starter'

Published Dec. 30, 2014 11:50 a.m. ET

foxsports

BEREA, Ohio -- Browns general manager Ray Farmer says rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel can develop into a "solid starter" and that the team needs to be patient with him.

On Monday, Manziel apologized for being late for a medical treatment over the weekend and being a distraction and vowed to change his behavior or risk being "exposed."

Farmer said Manziel's comments are just words if he doesn't back them up and the team needs him "to come in and demonstrate he can be an NFL quarterback."

Video of Manziel in Miami wishing LeBron James a happy birthday was being passed around social media on Tuesday. James turns 30 Tuesday.

Farmer denied that Browns owner Jimmy Haslam had any influence on taking Manziel in the first round of this year's draft. Farmer added he would not hesitate using a first-round pick on a QB next year. Cleveland owns the Nos. 12 and 19 selections.