The competition among apparel companies to lure an endorsement from Johnny Manziel is over.
The 2012 Heisman Trophy winner and polarizing draft prospect has signed a deal with Nike, according to an ESPN report. Adidas, Under Armour and New Balance's Warrior brand were also bidding to land Manziel's highly coveted stamp of approval.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the report cites sources who said it's a multi-year deal that ensures Manziel's endorsement contract will be the richest one signed by a rookie in this year's class.
The deal further ties Manziel to LeBron James -- Manziel signed in January with Mav Carter's firm, which also represents James, to oversee his contract and marketing interests. James has advised Manziel in the past, so it's conceivable that he had some influence over the former Texas A&M quarterback's Nike decision.
Manziel is considered one of the top three quarterbacks in the 2014 NFL Draft, along with Louisville's Teddy Bridgewater and Central Florida's Blake Bortles. While draft projections on Manziel vary, he isn't expected to slide past the Minnesota Vikings, who hold the eighth overall pick.
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