At this point last year, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were hoping that quarterback Jameis Winston was finally on the path to redemption. After serving a three-game suspension to start the 2018 season and having an inconsistent year when he finally did see the field, the Bucs seemingly pulled out all the stops to give Winston one more chance to prove himself to be the franchise quarterback they had hoped he would be when they drafted him first overall in the 2015 draft.
The hiring of Bruce Arians, the supposed quarterback guru, was the team’s way of throwing their support behind Winston, but as we all know, things didn’t go according to plan. Despite throwing for 5,109 yards last season, becoming just the eighth quarterback ever to do so, Winston also threw a mind-boggling 30 interceptions.
Apparently, that was enough to make the Bucs look elsewhere this offseason. And, when quarterback Tom Brady became available and decided to make Tampa Bay his new home, the sun officially set on Winston’s time with the Bucs.
But, to the quarterback’s credit, he has nothing but respect for the six-time Super Bowl champion, and seems to be taking the move in stride. Speaking to Fox News about the Bucs moving on to Brady, Winston had this to say:
“One thing you can learn about me is my faith. I have tremendous faith in my lord, and one thing about Tom Brady is it’s understood that he is the GOAT. For you to get replaced by Tom Brady in a city that you love so much, I guess that’s kudos to me.”
Winston certainly did have his ups and downs with the Bucs, but his presence will be missed. Teammates had such respect for Winston that many initially refrained from celebrating the Brady signing on social media. Wherever Winston ends up next year, his personality in the locker room will be a welcome addition for players and coaches alike.
Best of luck to Winston.
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