updated 12:31 p.m. ET Nov. 19, 2009

CLEVELAND - LeBron James, NFL player. Just a fantasy, says New Orleans Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey.

The Cavaliers’ All-Star forward caused a stir this week by saying he could be “really good” if he committed himself to playing football. The remarks set off debate about James’ football talents and prompted Browns coach Eric Mangini to joke that James should “come on down” and help his 1-8 team.

Cleveland nose tackle Shaun Rogers initially sacked James’ belief. Now Shockey has piled on.

On his Twitter page, Shockey wrote: “Everyone trust me Lebron James could not play in the NFL! espn is crazy to even think he could even make a practice squad. hes a 4.9 40 time.”

James was an All-State wide receiver in high school.

If James truly believes he can help the Cleveland Browns, coach Eric Mangini has an orange helmet waiting for him.

"I think he should come on down," Mangini said, smiling. "I know he's pretty busy right now, but if he wants to give it a shot, the guy is gifted. He's competitive and tough. I'm sure whatever he applied himself to, he'd probably be good in baseball or soccer or swimming."

The NBA superstar, who was an All-State wide receiver in high school, said Tuesday night that if he put the time and commitment into it, he could be a good football player. Mangini agreed, calling James "a freak athletically" and said the 6-foot-8, 260-pounder could be dangerous at tight end, wide receiver or even outside linebacker.

When the gist of Mangini's comments was relayed to James, he smiled - but didn't take the bait.

"I had what I had to say, and that was it," James said before his Cavaliers played at the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night.

Video   Browns would welcome LeBron Nov. 18: Cleveland Browns head coach Eric Mangini invites LeBron James to come out and help his team. NBC Sports

Quarterback Brady Quinn also heard about James' football fetish. He would love to have a target to throw to like James in the red zone.

"That'd be great," Quinn said. "Tell him to suit up and let us know, we'll get him working. Obviously he's an incredibly talented athlete. If he wants to try to play a little bit now, we'd be more than willing to pick him up."

Browns nose tackle Shaun Rogers isn't convinced James could step into the NFL and be able to handle the pounding.

"I heard that comment," Rogers said. "I have mixed emotions about that. A great athlete? Yes. A football player? No."

Rogers then looked into TV cameras.

"Yeah LeBron, I said it," he said. "It's a punishing game. I just don't think you can step off the basketball court after not going through this year in and year out and just play football. From that standpoint, I just don't think it's possible. You have to weather and condition your body to take this punishment."

So what if James had a year to train? Could he do it then?

"Yeah, he might make a heck of a tight end," Rogers said. "I'd like to see him out there running down the seam."

Also on NBCSports.com Out of Bounds: Katrina survivor pens hit Saints song Rosenthal: Colts will be team to beat next season NBA: ProBasketballTalk is here! Check out new blog NCAA BK: Who's in, who's out? Updated bracket projections Twitter: Follow us @nbc_sports

MORE FROM NBA

NBA Section Front

LeBron torches Nets as Cavs win 12th straight   Carmelo returns, helps Nuggets trounce Mavs Wizards stranded again after 2nd snowstorm Durant, Thunder enter break on 6-game win streak PBT: Kobe falling apart physically — he should sit Kobe remains a game-time decision for Wed.   Vote: Should Kobe bench himself to heal his injuries? FanHouse: Amateur dunk contest better than real thing? Winderman: Quiet trade front might be ready to boil over PBT: Celtics might trade Big Baby   NBA Section Front   Add NBA headlines to your news reader: