Career Timeline of Jameis Winston: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 13, 2025

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

Jameis Winston is an American football quarterback currently playing for the New York Giants. He achieved early success at Florida State University, winning the Heisman Trophy as the youngest player to do so and leading the Seminoles to a BCS National Championship in 2014. Winston was subsequently drafted first overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2015 NFL Draft, marking the beginning of his professional career.

Sections (5)

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

2012: Redshirted at Florida State

During the 2012 college football season, Jameis Winston redshirted behind senior quarterback EJ Manuel.

December 14, 2013: Heisman Trophy Win

On December 14, 2013, Jameis Winston won the Heisman Trophy, becoming the second freshman and youngest player to win the award.

2013: Named Starting Quarterback

Prior to the 2013 season, Jameis Winston was named Florida State's starting quarterback. In his debut, he completed 25 of 27 passes with four passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown in a 41–17 victory over the University of Pittsburgh.

January 6, 2014: BCS National Championship Win and 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. He was named the Offensive MVP of the game.

2014: BCS National Championship Victory

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

May 1, 2015: Signs with Buccaneers

On May 1, 2015, Jameis Winston signed a four-year, $23.35 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, including a $16.7 million signing bonus. The contract restricted him from playing other sports.

2015: Enters NFL Draft

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

2015: NFL All-Rookie Team Selection

For his 2015 season, Jameis Winston was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team and set franchise rookie records in pass attempts, pass completions, passing yards, and passing touchdowns.

2016: Single-Season Franchise Record

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

2016: 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. He also became the eighth quarterback in NFL history to throw for 5,000 yards in a single season, the first Buccaneers quarterback to throw for 5,000 yards in a single season, and the first quarterback in NFL history to throw at least 30 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in a single season.

2016: Selected to Pro Bowl

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

April 17, 2018: Fifth-Year Option Picked Up

On April 17, 2018, the Buccaneers picked up the fifth-year option on Jameis Winston's contract.

April 28, 2020: Signed with the Saints

On April 28, 2020, Jameis Winston signed a one-year contract with the Saints with a value of $1.1 million, including a base salary of $952,000 and a signing bonus of $148,000, with a possible $3.4 million in incentives.