He might be the entrenched backup to Derek Carr, but Jameis Winston isn’t letting that stop him from being a good teammate.
Before the New Orleans Saints squared off with the Carolina Panthers on Monday Night Football, Winston hung around the outside of the New Orleans locker room for a very important reason. He wanted to give encouragement to every person who walked by, showing what it means to have a positive attitude and still be a great leader even though you’re not a starter.
This is precisely the kind of selfless mentality we could all learn a thing or two from. Some things are just bigger than our ambitions — like supporting your friends and colleagues (as captured by ESPN in a TikTok):
#Saints QB Jameis Winston shook the hands of every player and staff member before he entered the locker room tonight..
He also apparently does this every game dating all the way back to college at FSU.
Jameis Winston is a true leader and a pro’s pro even as the backup. A+… pic.twitter.com/kTAVvaemU4
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) September 19, 2023
I doubt it’s expressly because of Winston’s energy, but the Saints are 2-0 for the first time in 10 years. At the very least, perennial Pro Bowl defensive end Cam Jordan endorsed Winston’s mindset and professionalism:
Yup he’s always there… the want to win and motivation and inspiration that is Jameis Winston always phenomenal teammate& is willing to serve and lead in whatever role he’s given on/off the field https://t.co/6rnk36stH8
— Cam Jordan (@camjordan94) September 19, 2023
I don’t know if New Orleans is necessarily good, but I do know that positive attitudes like Winston’s can only contribute to a healthy, happy, and winning culture.
This was how Twitter reacted to Winston being a great teammate outside the Saints' locker room
I’m not saying he can save the jets but I believe it would be an upgrade https://t.co/iTrOQw9IdO
— Robert Littal BSO (@BSO) September 19, 2023
Funny how the leadership narrative around him and Mariota have completely flipped since coming out the draft.
Shows that we don't truly know these guys and media perceptions/narratives aren't the be all end all. Jameis has also matured so much since being drafted. https://t.co/ZR1flozc2i
— BWill (@BWillTFTV) September 19, 2023
Yes he does this and so much more. Such a great teammate. Love Jameis.💪 https://t.co/egLRnemyGq
— StaceyDales (@StaceyDales) September 19, 2023
It's a crime this man had just 10 games to prove he's a starter after getting replaced by Tom Brady.
And in those 10 games?
6-4, 210 yds/gm, 18 TDs, 8 INTs, 92.7 rating https://t.co/RrD9vteW97
— Tweets by Sneaky Joe (@SneakyJoeSports) September 19, 2023
Most underrated player in the NFL. Jets should trade for him and I’m not even being facetious, he might lead them to 10+ wins https://t.co/k0c29gRUrd
— BK (@_braedenk) September 19, 2023
One year Jameis is a going to have a redemption season like Geno Smith. I don’t know when or where but it’s going to happen. https://t.co/VauqGTPnrR
— Johnny 🏀 💰 (@JCV17_) September 19, 2023
It's a blessing to play the game. I hope the jets trade for him https://t.co/ZeG3ODffoU
— Lord Brunson tweets (@lord_brunson) September 19, 2023
He’s better than at least 10 starters lol https://t.co/69GGUBCKf7
— Marc (@SpIashford) September 19, 2023
Jameis is a great teammate. This is awesome. https://t.co/CjCpDjMhX3
— Jeremy (@JKMJXH3) September 19, 2023
Man I know folks always cracking jokes but this really my dawg. I know there’s teams he would immediately make better as a starter. https://t.co/czInvOYqZJ
— . (@Jay_daWriter) September 19, 2023
Ngl this dude def should be a starter in this league. Like you would rather have Zach Wilson over a guy like this lol https://t.co/nqn4aCDUVW
— Mayor of Married City (@shawesomekev) September 19, 2023
A good attitude like this will keep you around as a backup for a long long time https://t.co/8vjNeq3qYS
— (retired) (@Tripolar_B) September 19, 2023
