Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Namath is defending Johnny Manziel against criticism about his off-the-field lifestyle.

The 21-year-old former Heisman Trophy winner has come under heavy fire in recent weeks over his partying ways, including spending his recent Memorial Day weekend holiday in Las Vegas with notorious New England Patriots party boy Rob Gronkowski.

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"What difference does it make," Namath, almost known as well for his flashy style as winning ways while with the New York Jets, told the NFL Network on Monday. "Really? And it is an example of the different eras and time. I do know this about Johnny Manziel, I haven't seen anyone perform any better than Johnny the last two seasons on that football field. And I do know that we love entertainment. Football is a sport but it is showbiz. It is entertainment. And Johnny, he's got to live his life, man. You know, give him some room."

The Cleveland Browns selected Manziel with the N0. 22 pick in the April NFL draft, where he is expected to immediately compete with Brian Hoyer for the team's starting job. Namath considers himself among the former Texas A&M star's biggest fans and supporters.

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"I'd love him on my team, just let me say that," said Namath. While admitting the advent of Twitter and social media has greatly changed the landscape from the time when he was played, Namath conceded "I would have had to adjust."