The Cleveland Browns had an utterly disappointing season, finishing last in the AFC North with a 3-14 record. Although the franchise didn’t make it to the playoffs, Jameis Winston, who started in Deshaun Watson’s place after the passer ruptured his Achilles, will be in New Orleans for the week of festivities
Let’s examine why the former Browns quarterback is at Super Bowl 59 and his future in the NFL.
Why Is Jameis Winston at Super Bowl 59?
Last offseason, Winston agreed to a fully guaranteed one-year contract with the Browns worth $4 million after leaving the New Orleans Saints. He started seven games for Cleveland, completing 61.1% of his passes and notching 2,121 yards with 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Winston also set the Browns’ franchise record for most passing yards in a game (497). He ranked 29th by PFN’s QB+ metric.
Following Cleveland’s 2024 campaign, he is now set to be an unrestricted free agent. Fox Sports has acquired the 31-year-old quarterback as their digital correspondent to conduct interviews ahead of Super Bowl 59.
Winston made the news about his digital correspondent side gig public by sharing Fox Sports’ post on X (formerly Twitter).
“See y’all in NOLA! 🙏🏾🎭” he captioned the post.
See y’all in NOLA! 🙏🏾🎭 https://t.co/CC0ECGHtEm
— Jameis Winston (@Jaboowins) January 29, 2025
The 2015 Pro Bowler has often grabbed headlines for his hilarious statements before and after the games. Fox Sports decided to keep fans entertained with Winston’s humor — and he didn’t disappoint.
Winston showcased his personality by referencing his “Eat a W” trend and asking the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles’ stars to catch a W-shaped cookie for him. The meme dates back to his pregame speech when he used to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and, ironically, was visiting the New Orleans Saints in 2017.
Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce was among the first few to take part in the trend.
“Can you catch a W for me?” Winston asked.
Upon Kelce’s affirmation, Winston tossed a W cookie at him, saying, “Catch this W first.”
The quarterback felt it wasn’t a clean catch and asked Kelce to grab another.
“Thank you my brother. Can you catch one more for me so we get a clean W?” Winston said.
"You know someone always trying to intercept my stuff."@Jaboowins completes the "W" cookie to @tkelce 🤣 #JameisOnFOX pic.twitter.com/cGUZebbGZ2
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) February 4, 2025
Winston’s second cookie bounced off the podium, allowing him to deliver another comical punch.
“You know, someone always trying to intercept my stuff. I didn’t think it was going to happen here,” he joked.
Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata was the next to join the cookie-laden trend.
“Can you eat a W with me? Oh yeah, catch one,” Winston quipped.
Jameis Winston asking Jordan Mailata to eat a W with him 🤣 pic.twitter.com/5erTm4ckcw
— Covers (@Covers) February 4, 2025
Winston came up with another quick punchline as Mailata’s catch broke the cookie, saying, “I think it’s an ‘N’ now.”
Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts became Winston’s next battery mate. “I want you to eat a W,” Winston repeated his demand.
“That’s why you play quarterback,” Winston joked as Hurts dropped the cookie.
😞 @Jaboowins tried to throw a W to Jalen Hurts but he couldn't hang on#JameisOnFOX pic.twitter.com/wFx5I4Ov5s
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) February 4, 2025
After pulling off the same trend with fellow Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith, Winston’s W train moved to Kansas City head coach Andy Reid.
“Coach, man, I’m honored to grow up during this time to see you coaching in multiple Super Bowls for my favorite team and now for the Kansas City Chiefs. I hope I can play for you one day. I know it’s free agency. Can you do one thing for me, though? Can you eat a W with me? Will you catch?” Winston asked.
Jameis Winston interviewing #Chiefs HC Andy Reid at Opening Night:
“I hope I can play for you one day.”
🤔 #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/JuRtXyfknX
— Marleah Campbell (@MarleahKCTV5) February 4, 2025
As Reid caught it, Winston chimed in with his final comment, “I’ll enjoy watching your punt, pass, and kick competitions.”
“Yeah, but I wish I could throw it as well as you do,” Reid responded.
As the Chiefs and Eagles gear up for the big game, Winston’s humor helps make the week a lighthearted one. Patrick Mahomes and Co. have the opportunity to script history in New Orleans, as a win would make them the first franchise in NFL history to complete a three-peat. Philadelphia, meanwhile, is looking for revenge after falling victim to Kansas City two years ago on the biggest stage.