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 Lanaed 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 recipient and leading the Seminoles to a BCS National Championship in 2014. Winston was then drafted first overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2015 NFL Draft.

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. He was also drafted by the Texas Rangers but chose not to sign, opting to play college football.

2012: Redshirted during the 2012 college football season

In 2012, Jameis Winston redshirted during the college football season, sitting behind 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 receive the award at 19 years and 342 days old.

2013: Played baseball for the Florida State Seminoles

In 2013, Jameis Winston played as an outfielder and pitcher for the Florida State Seminoles baseball team. He had a .235 batting average and a 3.00 earned run average.

2013: Named Starting Quarterback

Prior to the 2013 season, Jameis Winston was named Florida State's starting quarterback. He debuted with a victory over the University of Pittsburgh.

January 6, 2014: BCS National Championship Victory and Offensive MVP

On January 6, 2014, Jameis Winston's 20th birthday, Florida State defeated Auburn in the 2014 BCS National Championship Game, and Winston was named the Offensive MVP.

2014: BCS National Championship Victory

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

2014: Rose Bowl Loss and Heisman Voting

In 2014, the Seminoles had a 13-0 regular season and played in the 2015 Rose Bowl where they lost against Oregon. Jameis Winston finished sixth in the Heisman Trophy voting.

2014: Preseason All-American Baseball Selection

Prior to the 2014 baseball season, Jameis Winston was named a preseason All-American by Baseball America as a 3rd-team utility player.

May 1, 2015: Signed with Tampa Bay 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.

November 22, 2015: Tied NFL Rookie Record

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

2015: Entry into the NFL Draft

After the 2014 season, Jameis Winston decided to forgo his remaining two years of eligibility and enter the 2015 NFL draft.

2015: Rose Bowl loss

In 2015, Jameis Winston and the Seminoles lost the Rose Bowl against Oregon 59-20. It was Winston's only loss as a starter during college career.

2015: Rookie Season Achievements

In 2015, Jameis Winston set franchise rookie records in pass attempts, pass completions, passing yards, and passing touchdowns, also being named to the NFL All-Rookie Team.

2015: Selected first overall in NFL draft

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

2016: Franchise record for passing touchdowns

In 2016, Jameis Winston broke the Buccaneers' 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: Passing yards record

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

2016: Selected to Pro Bowl

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.

2017: Struggled to a 5-11 Record

In 2017, Winston and the Buccaneers struggled to a 5-11 record. Winston finished the season with 3,504 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.

2017: Ranked 57th on NFL Top 100 Players

Jameis Winston was ranked 57th by his peers on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.

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: 2018 Season Performance

During the 2018 season, Jameis Winston finished with 2,992 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, and broke a franchise record.

2019: Passing Yards Leader and Interception Leader

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

2019: NFC Offensive Player of the Week

Following his performance against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4, Jameis Winston was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week in 2019.

April 28, 2020: Signs with the Saints

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