Winston Accepts Backup Role as Giants Turn to McCarthy
Veteran quarterback Jameis Winston is embracing a mentor role with the New York Giants after being moved back to the bench following J.J. McCarthy's selection as the starting quarterback.
Jameis Winston finds himself once again in a backup quarterback role with the New York Giants, a position he is prepared to embrace. This comes after the team decided to start J.J. McCarthy in Sunday's game against the Houston Texans, following Winston's four starts after Jaxson Dart sustained a season-ending knee injury.
Winston, who took over for Dart earlier in the season, was pulled in favor of McCarthy in Sunday's loss to the Saints. "Every single week, you’re defined [by] the last time you stepped foot on the field,'' Winston said. "Last game, my job [was] to lead the New York Football Giants to a win and that didn’t happen. That being said, I understand where I’m at now."
He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue playing football at a high level and is focused on excelling in his current role. "I’m extremely grateful I still get to do what I love — and that’s play football at a high level for the New York Football Giants,'' Winston said. "Being able to accept roles and understand ‘How can I be the best at my role with this team?’ "
The Giants anticipate that Winston can provide similar guidance to McCarthy as he did for Dart, who credited Winston with aiding his adjustment to the NFL. McCarthy, who will start for the first time since the final game of last season with the Vikings, called Winston a "great teacher" who has been helpful since his arrival.
"Someone that came in, took the position by the horns and executed very well,'' Winston said of McCarthy. "He’s embraced a fresh start. I know what it is to feel like you have a chance to start over again."
McCarthy, 23, has been praised by Winston for his curiosity and grasp of the quarterback position. Winston, a former first-overall pick by the Buccaneers in 2015, previously served as a starter for the Saints in 2021. John Harbaugh, who has worked with Winston, described him as one of the "best teammates [and] best leaders you could ever be around," adding that Winston supports McCarthy's success while also wanting to perform himself.