Browns new back-up QB full of faith, joy
Once a heralded number one overall draft pick, Jameis Winston has now embraced a pivotal role that many stars might shy away from—reinforcing the Browns' quarterback depth chart with both experience and unselfishness.
The Journey of Jameis
Winston's career has been as much about his impressive achievements on the field as about his personal growth off it. From his early days as a gridiron star at Florida State University, where he clinched the coveted Heisman Trophy and a national championship, to his latest chapter with the Browns, Winston's path has been illuminated by persistence and grace.
He said, "The person that this organization is getting, is first and foremost a man of God in faith, who is about increase. And in terms of changing over the course of the past few years, significantly."
A Heart of Service and Leadership
Winston carries himself with the quiet confidence of a man who understands life's greater purpose. Married to his high school sweetheart and now a father to two young children, he sees football as a means to lead and to serve. He said, "Priorities change when you see and know that things are bigger than you. So, I’m here to do what God called me to do, and that is to lead and advance his kingdom in any way, shape, or form. So that’s the man that you’re getting.”
Winston's humility and sincerity have captivated the locker room over the years, making him a natural mentor to his teammates. He said, "I know it is not only a passion of mine to lead and to impact those around me, but I feel like it’s a privilege when I’m provided with an opportunity. I tend not to look ahead of me and tend to look behind me. I tend to focus on the now."
Saints tight end Jimmy Graham, a former teammate of Winston's, said, "[Jameis] is the best teammate I’ve ever had. [He] loves this city, this game and embodies everything you can ask for in a leader."
Seamlessly Weaving into the Browns' Fabric
Winston's arrival to Cleveland is no mere happenstance; his conviction states that it's divine providence. He said, "I’m a firm believer that nothing happens by coincidence. So, when this opportunity came about, we locked in and we communicated, we collaborated on it, and this just felt like a great fit for me.”
Inking the Deal
At 30 years old, the Browns committed just one year to Winston, offering him $4 million in 2024. In total, the Browns quarterback room with four QBs is one of the most expensive in the NFL with Deshaun Watson ($46 million), Dorian Thompson-Robinson ($1 million), and former Baltimore Raven Tyler Huntley (undisclosed).
Photo credit: Cleveland Browns official website.
