LeBron as a Brown??

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LeBron James in the NFL.

Maybe it's not as far-fetched as it initially sounds.

James stated earlier this week that if he took the time to dedicate himself to football, he "could be really good no matter what team I was on". His comments came after watching the Cleveland Browns be shut out on Monday Night Football.

Now, Eric Mangini and Brady Quinn are among those with Cleveland who are encouraging LeBron to try out as a hybrid tight end-wide receiver.

James was an all-state wideout in high school, but quit the sport after his junior year to focus on basketball. And there's several tight ends in the league who ran the hardwood before settling onto the gridiron. Tony Gonzalez, Antonio Gates--even newly signed Jordan Kent with the Rams.

While the city of Cleveland may long for LeBron to save another franchise in their town, don't hold your breath. Besides getting back in football shape, there's about $16 million reasons why James won't go to the NFL.

But it does make you stop to think...

James Laurinaitis was a highly-touted hockey player in high school. Wonder what he could do with the Blues?

Daniel Fells had a pretty wicked fastball back in the day, could he be the fifth starter the Cardinals are looking for?

Yadier Molina handles collisions at the plate, maybe the Rams should've tried him out as long-snapper when Chris Massey got hurt.

How far can Rick Ankiel throw a football?

I'd be willing to bet Cam Janssen would be a madman on the field, either laying blocks or crashing in for a tackle.

Can Albert swing a hockey stick?

Maybe LeBron and the Browns are on to something.