Former Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher lately pulled again the curtain on what it was like to educate Jameis Winston, revealing particulars that spotlight the quarterback’s legendary work ethic, unwavering confidence, and uncommon humility throughout his faculty years.
Talking on the Trials to Triumph podcast, Fisher recalled being struck by Winston’s preparation habits at the same time as a younger participant. “I don’t know if I’ve ever been round anyone who ready like Jameis at a younger age,” Fisher stated. “Jameis by no means misplaced confidence. And it wasn’t conceitedness, it was pure confidence in himself. Even when he made a mistake, he knew he may do one thing about it, and knew easy methods to maintain it in perspective.”
In line with Fisher, Winston’s dedication prolonged far past regular apply hours. After staff periods ended, he would head to the movie room to evaluate apply tape. Many nights, he stayed till 10 or 11 p.m., breaking down performs and finding out tendencies. “He’d be downstairs in the identical room. He’d by no means depart the constructing,” Fisher stated. That relentless method, Fisher added, was one of many largest elements behind Winston’s fast rise to nationwide stardom.
The outcomes spoke for themselves. In simply two seasons as Florida State’s beginning quarterback, Winston threw for 7,964 yards and 65 touchdowns towards 28 interceptions, finishing 66 p.c of his passes. He compiled a outstanding 26–1 file as a starter, main the Seminoles to the 2013 nationwide championship and an look within the inaugural School Soccer Playoff in 2014.
His breakout 2013 marketing campaign was one for the historical past books. Winston grew to become the youngest participant ever to win the Heisman Trophy at 19 years and 342 days outdated, a file later edged out by Lamar Jackson by solely 5 days. That 12 months, Winston additionally collected the Davey O’Brien Award, Walter Camp Award, Manning Award, and consensus All-America honors.
But for all of his statistical dominance and accolades, Fisher says Winston by no means acted like a celebrity in Florida State. “He knew each janitor within the constructing. He knew each girl who labored within the constructing. He knew everyone who was making lunch and dinner. He knew each walk-on on the staff,” Fisher stated. “He knew everyone, and he handled everyone the identical. He by no means put himself above issues… He by no means noticed himself as a celebrity, as loopy as that sounds. He knew he was good, however he simply favored being one of many guys.”
That grounded nature carried over into Winston’s skilled profession. Now 31 years outdated, he has turn out to be one of the beloved figures in soccer, not only for his arm expertise, however for his infectious character and countless optimism. Followers have embraced his real enthusiasm, his knack for uplifting teammates, and his willingness to have a good time others’ successes as a lot as his personal.
This offseason, Winston signed with the New York Giants after spending the earlier 12 months with the Cleveland Browns. Whether or not beginning underneath middle or backing up, Winston’s vitality and management stay constants. Fisher believes these traits are rooted in the identical qualities he noticed a decade in the past in Tallahassee, a tireless competitor with an unshakable perception in himself and a deep respect for everybody round him.
For Fisher, the recollections transcend the spotlight reels and championship celebrations. They embody quiet nights within the movie room, informal conversations with cafeteria employees, and the instance Winston set for his teammates. And for anybody who watched him lead Florida State to the highest of the faculty soccer world, there’s little doubt that also holds true right now.