Lebron James makes surprise appearance at Cleveland Browns practice

BEREA, Ohio, Aug. 8 (UPI) -- NBA star Lebron James was seen watching a Cleveland Browns practice Thursday in his first public appearance since announcing his return to the Cavaliers.

Possibly the only person who could overshadow Johnny Manziel on the field, James greeted his friend and rookie quarterback with his two sons Lebron Jr. and Bryce.

"We had one of the biggest athletes in the world at practice," safety Donte Whitner told the Akron Beacon Journal. "I think there has to be a lot of buzz."

The Browns believe that James will be able to help Manziel as he develops as an athlete and with his celebrity.

"LeBron has been dealing with it his entire life -- high school till now," said Whitner. "He'll be a good mentor for Johnny and help him deal with some of the stuff off the field. I think it's probably been going on already."

Manziel's presence on the Browns and James' return to the Cavaliers have breathed new life into Cleveland sports. Whitner thinks that this is a sign of a comeback for the city.

"All eyes should be on Cleveland this year," he said. "Now we have to go out there and make people want to watch us. The Cavs go out there and handle their business and we handle ours. [We can] make people understand Cleveland is pretty much back."

James did not address the media but said the team will see him Friday at the homecoming event at University of Akron's InfoCision Stadium. The Browns will have their pre-season opener against the Detroit Lions Saturday night.