Jameis Winston spent only one season with Cleveland Browns, But the city and its fans seemed to have left a lasting mark on the NFL veteran.
In an open letter to fans, Winston wrote a heartfelt goodbye to the organization on Thursday after signing with New York Giants On a two-year deal of $ 8 million last month.
Browns Quarterback Jameis Winston takes a selfie after defeating Baltimore Ravens at Huntington Bank Field. (Scott Galvin)
“I am so happy and grateful for everything we experienced together this past year. From the first day you welcomed my family and me with open arms – and for that I am forever grateful,” he wrote in a post on Instagram.
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“To Dawg Pound: You were electric. Snow or shine, heights or low, your energy never wandered. You reminded us all how loyalty, passion and society really look. This year was one of growth, service and adaptability – not only for me personally, but for my family that we have been with us too.”
Winston joined the browns to act as a backup to Deshaun Watson After spending the previous four seasons with New Orleans Saints. He took over as the starter after Watson’s season ending injury, appeared in 12 games and started in seven.
Winston recorded 2,121 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and 12 interceptions and set a franchise record when he threw in 497 yards with four touchdowns in Browns ’41 -32 losses against Denver Broncos in week 13.
Cleveland Browns Quarterback Jameis Winston, #5, goes towards Los Angeles Chargers in the first half of a NFL football match on Sunday November 3, 2024 in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
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“To the amazing men and women who make this city special: Thank you. You have had a lasting influence on our lives and helped us rise to a larger vocation – a rooted in unity, service and love,” his post continued. “Wishing you continued blessings, prosperity and nothing but the best.”
Giants’ relocation to sign Winston was the organization’s first step in fixing a troubled quarterback room. Not long after, New York did Russell Wilson, Signage of him on one year’s agreement is reportedly worth up to $ 21 million.
“I expect to be a starter and be able to come here and rock and roll every day,” Wilson said, after the deal was official. “I think this team is really looking for someone to lead them in every way – in terms of the process, in high season, during the season, our habits and our thought process and how we create a great winning culture.”
That said, New York is not yet closing the door to Quarterback problems.
Cleveland Browns Quarterback Jameis Winston, #5, runs off the field after Pittsburgh Steelers defeated Cleveland Browns in a NFL football match in Pittsburgh on Sunday 8 December 2024. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
With # 3 elections in the draft later this month, the giants are still expected to explore the possibility of drafting another quarterback that would solve their long-term problems.
“The face of a franchise is a quarterback,” Giants head coach Brian Daboll said on Tuesday at the annual NFL SPRING meetings. “It’s not an easy position to evaluate. It’s not an easy position to coach. It’s not an easy position to play. You do the best job you can try to find the right one for your team.”
