Jameis Winston named NFL Rookie of the Year
By Kelvin Hunt
Former Nole great Jameis Winston has been named NFL Rookie of the Year.
Jameis Winston doubters were in full effect at this time last year when pundits were debating who the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should select number one overall. The two consensus choices seemed to be between Winston or former Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota.
The Buccaneers chose Winston, and the rest they say is history.
“It feels great to receive this honor from the fans,” Winston, 22, said. “My goal coming into my rookie season was to come in and do whatever it took to help us win games and compete. As great as this individual accomplishment is, it is really a reflection of how well our entire offense did this season.
Jameis Winston became the third rookie to pass for over 4,000 yards and scored 28 total touchdowns, 22 passing and six rushing. The third most by a rookie in NFL history.
His stats and the fact that he led an offense that was best in franchise history speaks volumes-general manager Jason Licht
Winston helped the Buccaneers improve from the previous year’s team (2-14) by leading them to a (6-10) finish in his rookie season.
The Buccaneer offense was explosive as well, with a great running game behind Doug Martin, and a passing attack that stretched the field vertically the same way Winston did it at as quarterback at Florida State.
Winston struggled early on in his rookie season behind a patchwork offensive line while adjusting to the speed of the NFL game. However, he began to shine in a stretch about midway through the season where the Buccaneers went 4-2. They defeated the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and NFL south division foe Atlanta Falcons twice. Those wins really helped establish Winston as the unquestioned leader of the team, and helped re-energize the confidence he normally plays with.
Next: Comparing Winston's Rookie Season to Cam Newton and Andrew Luck
“His stats and the fact that he led an offense that was best in franchise history speaks volumes,” general manager Jason Licht said. “But it’s the things you can’t measure that were most impressive. He quickly established himself as the team leader. His passion for the game is remarkable, and his work ethic and dedication to making everyone around him better has been incredible. What he has done for this team, in a short amount of time, is simply special.”
Winston is now the NFL Rookie of the Year, Heisman Trophy winner, and won a national championship at Florida State. I’d say he’s pretty accomplished, but the scary thing is he’s just getting started.