One of Jameis Winston's New Orleans Saints teammates is tired of hearing the quarterback get criticized for his role in the late touchdown the Saints scored in their 48—17 win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 18.
The Saints, in complete control up 41—17, had the ball at the Falcons' 1-yard line with just over a minute remaining. Instead of simply taking a knee and running out the clock, New Orleans ran a fake kneel play and scored, leaving Falcons coach Arthur Smith outraged at Saints coach Dennis Allen.
After the game, Allen apologized to Smith, saying the players decided to run the play so beloved halfback Jamaal Williams could score, with Winston then confirming Allen's account, telling reporters it was a team decision.
While Winston heard plenty of backlash as the quarterback on the play, Saints tight end Jimmy Graham took to X, formerly Twitter, and passionately defended his teammate on Monday.
Get off @Jaboowins back. This man is the best teammate I’ve ever had. Loves this city, this game and embodies everything you can ask for in a leader. Was a rare situation and we all take responsibility. Nobody thought it would get blown out of proportion. Also f*ck the falcons pic.twitter.com/nUMQQPX1M6
— Jimmy Graham (@TheJimmyGraham) January 8, 2024
Graham told critics to "get off Winston's back," saying that the veteran QB is the "best teammate he's ever had" and that he is a true leader. Clearly, Graham thinks people are making too big a deal out of this situation.
The unwritten rules would suggest that Winston disrespected Atlanta in a game that was already well over. Plenty of former players, such as Shannon Sharpe, certainly think Winston was in the wrong.
But Winston's Saints teammates seem to have his back in this situation.
