Career Timeline of Jameis Winston: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Jameis Winston, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Jameis Winston is an American professional football quarterback currently playing for the Cleveland Browns. He achieved early success at Florida State University, winning the Heisman Trophy as a freshman and leading the Seminoles to a national championship in 2014. After two seasons in college, Winston entered the NFL and was selected first overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2015 NFL Draft. He is known for his strong arm and ability to make plays, but also has faced scrutiny for turnovers throughout his career.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

December 14, 2013: Won the Heisman Trophy

On December 14, 2013, Jameis Winston won the Heisman Trophy, becoming the youngest player to win the award at 19 years and 342 days.

2013: Named Starting Quarterback at Florida State

Prior to the 2013 season, Jameis Winston was named Florida State's starting quarterback and had a strong college debut.

January 6, 2014: Won 2014 BCS National Championship and Named Offensive MVP

On January 6, 2014, Jameis Winston led Florida State to a 34–31 victory over Auburn in the 2014 BCS National Championship Game and was named the Offensive MVP.

2014: Led Florida State to BCS National Championship

In 2014, Jameis Winston led the Florida State Seminoles to victory in the BCS National Championship Game during his freshman year.

May 1, 2015: Signed Contract with Tampa Bay Buccaneers

On May 1, 2015, Jameis Winston signed a four-year, $23.35 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with a $16.7 million signing bonus.

November 22, 2015: Tied Rookie Record with Five Touchdown Passes

On November 22, 2015, against the Philadelphia Eagles, Jameis Winston tied an NFL rookie, and Buccaneers franchise, record with five touchdown passes.

2015: Entered the 2015 NFL Draft

After the 2015 season, Jameis Winston decided to forgo the remaining two years of eligibility and enter the 2015 NFL draft.

2015: Set Buccaneers Rookie Records

In 2015, Jameis Winston set franchise rookie records in pass attempts, pass completions, passing yards, and passing touchdowns. He also became the third rookie quarterback to pass over 4,000 yards in a season and was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team.

2015: Drafted #1 Overall by Tampa Bay Buccaneers

In 2015, after declaring for the NFL, Jameis Winston was selected first overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL draft.

2016: Broke Buccaneers' Single-Season Passing Record

In 2016, Jameis Winston broke the Buccaneers' single-season franchise record for passing yards that he set in 2016, becoming the first quarterback in franchise history to pass for over 4,100 yards in a season.

2016: Set Franchise Record for Passing Touchdowns

In 2016, Jameis Winston broke the franchise record for passing touchdowns in a single season, becoming the first quarterback in franchise history to throw 30 passing touchdowns in a single season.

2016: Selected to Pro Bowl

In 2016, Jameis Winston was selected to his first Pro Bowl game, becoming the first rookie quarterback in Buccaneers' history to be selected after Tom Brady declined to participate.

2019: Broke Franchise Record for Passing Yards

During the 2019 season, Jameis Winston broke the Buccaneers franchise record for passing yards in a career, finishing with 194 passing yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions against the 49ers.

2019: Led the League in Passing Yards and Interceptions

During the 2019 season, Jameis Winston led the league in passing yards. However, his 2019 campaign was also marked with him leading the league in interceptions, including setting the NFL season record for interceptions returned for touchdowns.