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 New York Giants. He achieved early success at Florida State University, winning the Heisman Trophy as the youngest player ever and leading the Seminoles to the 2014 BCS National Championship. Winston was then drafted first overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2015, marking the beginning of his NFL career.

Sections (5)

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

February 3, 2012: Commitment to Florida State University

On February 3, 2012, Jameis Winston committed to attend Florida State University, choosing not to sign with the Texas Rangers despite being drafted by them in the 15th round of the 2012 Major League Baseball Draft.

2012: Redshirted Season

In 2012, Jameis Winston redshirted during the college football season, serving as backup to senior quarterback EJ Manuel.

December 14, 2013: Heisman Trophy Winner

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: Played baseball for Florida State

In 2013, Jameis Winston played as an outfielder and pitcher for the Florida State Seminoles baseball team, batting .235 with a .723 on-base plus slugging in 119 at-bats and had a 3.00 earned run average in 27 innings pitched.

2013: Named Starting Quarterback

Prior to the 2013 season, Jameis Winston was named Florida State's starting quarterback. In his debut game in 2013, he led his team to a 41-17 victory over the University of Pittsburgh.

January 6, 2014: BCS National Championship Win

On January 6, 2014, Jameis Winston led Florida State to a 34–31 victory over Auburn in the 2014 BCS National Championship Game, earning the Offensive MVP award. He also celebrated his 20th birthday that day.

2014: BCS National Championship Victory

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

2014: Redshirt Sophomore Season and Heisman Trophy Voting

In 2014, Jameis Winston started 13 games during his redshirt sophomore season and finished the season with a conference-leading 3,907 passing yards and 25 touchdowns. He also finished in sixth place in the Heisman Trophy voting in 2014.

May 1, 2015: Signed with Buccaneers

On May 1, 2015, Jameis Winston signed a four-year, $23.35 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which included a $16.7 million signing bonus and prevented him from playing any other sport than football.

November 22, 2015: Five Touchdown Passes

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

2015: Enters the NFL Draft

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

2015: NFL Draft Selection

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

2015: Rookie Season

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

2015: Rose Bowl and College Career End

In 2015, the Seminoles played in the Rose Bowl against Oregon, losing 59-20, which was Winston's only loss as a starter during his college career.

2016: Franchise Record for Passing Touchdowns

During Week 15 against the Lions in 2016, Jameis Winston broke the franchise record for passing touchdowns in a single season that he set in 2016, becoming the first quarterback in franchise history to throw 30 passing touchdowns in a single season.

2016: Pro Bowl Selection

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

2016: Single-Season Passing Yards Record

In 2016, as a result of his performance against the Indianapolis Colts, 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.

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.

2018: Returns after Suspension

After missing the first three games, in 2018, Jameis Winston returned in Week 4 against the Chicago Bears. Overall, he finished the 2018 season with 2,992 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions.

2019: NFC Offensive Player of the Week

Following a lackluster first two weeks of the 2019 season, Jameis Winston passed for 385 yards, four touchdowns, and an interception in a 55–40 win over the Los Angeles Rams. As a result of his performance, Winston was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week.

April 28, 2020: Signed with the Saints

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

March 15, 2021: Re-signed with the Saints

On March 15, 2021, Jameis Winston re-signed with the Saints on a one-year deal worth $12 million, the day after Drew Brees announced his retirement.

August 27, 2021: Named Starting Quarterback

On August 27, 2021, Jameis Winston was named the starting quarterback for the Saints over Taysom Hill.

March 21, 2022: Contract Extension with Saints

On March 21, 2022, Jameis Winston signed a two-year, $28 million contract extension with the Saints.

March 14, 2023: Re-signed with the Saints

On March 14, 2023, Jameis Winston re-signed with the Saints. He appeared in seven games but only contributed significantly in two in the 2023 season. He passed for two touchdowns and three interceptions on the season.