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Jameis Winston

Jameis Winston is an American professional football quarterback who played college football for Florida State, where he won the Heisman Trophy and helped the Seminoles win the 2014 national championship.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jameis Winston is an American professional football quarterback who played college football for Florida State, where he won the Heisman Trophy and helped the Seminoles win the 2014 national championship. He was selected first overall in the 2015 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and later played for the New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants.

Early life and college career

Winston was born in Bessemer, Alabama, and attended Hueytown High School, where he played football and baseball. He played college football at Florida State, won the Heisman Trophy in 2013, and led the Seminoles to the national championship that season.

NFL career

Winston entered the NFL as the first overall pick in 2015, joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After his tenure in Tampa Bay, he played for the New Orleans Saints, later joined the Cleveland Browns, and signed with the New York Giants in 2025.

Awards and recognition

His major college honours include the Heisman Trophy and other 2013 awards associated with his standout season at Florida State. His rookie NFL season included franchise records and a Pro Bowl selection.

Personal background

Winston’s early athletic career included baseball, and he was selected by the Texas Rangers in the 2012 MLB Draft. Available biographical sources also identify him as married with children.

Key facts

  • Won the 2013 Heisman Trophy at age 19, becoming the youngest winner at the time.
  • Led Florida State to the 2014 BCS National Championship title.
  • Was the first overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
  • Played for the Buccaneers from 2015 to 2019 before joining the New Orleans Saints.
  • Later played for the Cleveland Browns and signed with the New York Giants in 2025.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Jameis Winston?
Jameis Winston is an American football quarterback known for his college success at Florida State and his NFL career with multiple teams.
Which college did Jameis Winston attend?
He attended Florida State University and played quarterback for the Seminoles.
What major award did Jameis Winston win in college?
He won the 2013 Heisman Trophy.
Which NFL team drafted Jameis Winston first overall?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected him first overall in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Which teams has Jameis Winston played for in the NFL?
He has played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns, and New York Giants.

References

  1. Heisman Trophy — https://www.heisman.com/heisman-winners/jameis-winston/
    Supports: Birth date, college, Heisman win, age record, and Alabama background.
  2. New York Giants — https://www.giants.com/team/players-roster/jameis-winston/
    Supports: Current team, height, college, career totals, and 2025 season information.
  3. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/bio/_/id/2969939/jameis-winston
    Supports: Birth date, position, draft status, teams played for, and awards.
  4. Encyclopedia of Alabama — https://www.encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/winston-jameis/
    Supports: Birthplace, family background, college career, professional teams, and marriage/family details.
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jameis_Winston
    Supports: Career timeline, including Buccaneers, Saints, Browns, Giants, and 2025 signing.