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A lot of things will need to change before Jameis Winston takes a snap for the New Orleans Saints. He’s slotting in behind Drew Brees and Taysom Hill on the depth chart, and there’s months to go before the NFL preseason kicks off (which is unclear given the state of the coronavirus pandemic).
But Winston is doing everything he can to get his body right, assuring that he’ll be ready once the opportunity presents itself. While his decision to finally undergo LASIK eye surgery after five years in the NFL has been much-discussed, correcting his long-lasting issues with nearsightedness and an astigmatism, Winston has also changed up his diet and training regimen.
“I decided to go vegan. I’ve been vegan for the past three months, four months and it’s just changed my body, drastically. I do cheat every Saturday. I mean, some chicken, or something, I can’t be super vegan or I’d be like 210 pounds,” Winston said during his introductory conference call as a member of the Saints. He chose to try a different diet after meeting with a few physicians specializing in treating professional athletes.
While the 26-year-old quarterback hasn’t been known for his athleticism, he has drawn criticism for a fluctuating playing-weight. Vegan diets have helped players like Tyrann Mathieu and Cam Newton, and it’s good to see he’s taking things more seriously.
As for his recent laser-eye surgery, Winston noted that the immediate changes have manifested while driving without wearing glasses for the first time in his adult life: “I can read license plates, I can read street signs. I think the precision in the vision is the biggest difference.”
It might take some time for Winston to see bigger results, much less for Saints fans to notice a difference. But his proactive approach — combined with his bargain-bin salary — might be a good sign that Winston is committed to turning his career around after flaming out in Tampa Bay.
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