The peregrination of Jameis Winston: Just a few things to work on

Sept. 12, 2021
NEW ORLEANS – Quarterback Jameis Winston, in his first start for New Orleans, set a National Football League record by throwing nine interceptions – but the Saints still managed to defeat the Green Bay Packers 26-12 in the teams’ season opener.
The New Orleans defense managed to stifle Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay running game, which never got farther than the Saints’ 28-yard line and settled for four field goals.
After Winston’s eighth interception, which tied the NFL record set in 1950 by the Chicago Cardinals’ Jim Hardy against Philadelphia, Saints coach Sean Payton changed up his offense, strictly running the ball until New Orleans got within field-goal range, then sending in place-kicker Will Lutz, “just to take the temptation away from Jameis from throwing another one.” Lutz made all eight kicks from 37, 39, 40, 43, 44, 48, 49 and 52 yards.
But with the Saints leading 24-12 on the Green Bay 16-yard line and seven seconds remaining, Winston fumbled the “victory formation” snap, picked up the ball and inexplicably heaved it toward the end zone, where free safety Adrian Amos picked it off – but was tackled for a safety as the game ended.
“It’s just something to work on. I think we’ll straighten him out before we head to Carolina next week,” Payton said of Winston, who was not available for interviews.

Sept. 19, 2021
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – New Orleans quarterback Jameis Winston managed to avoid throwing an interception against Carolina but tied Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Famer Len Dawson’s 1964 record of seven fumbles in a game as the Panthers beat the Saints 35-7.
“Just something else we have to work on, especially his fumbling twice on the same flea-flicker play, to get Jameis on track for next Sunday’s game against the Patriots,” Saints coach Sean Payton said. Winston declined to be interviewed.

Sept. 26, 2021
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Jameis Winston has learned how not to lose the football. But after committing six personal fouls in New Orleans’ 27-13 loss to New England, he’ll have to learn how to not lose his temper.
“Just something more we have to work on before we host the Giants next Sunday,” Saints coach Sean Payton said after Winston punched cornerback J.C. Jackson in the throat, kneed linebacker Matt Judon in the groin, poked defensive tackle Lawrence Guy in the eye twice and safety Adrian Phillips once and gave Patriots coach Bill Belichick the finger. Winston had to be restrained from attacking the media.

Oct. 3, 2021
NEW ORLEANS – “I’m finishing trying to work on things with him,” New Orleans coach Sean Payton said after Jameis Winston, with no interceptions, no fumbles and no penalties against the New York Giants, was sacked 17 times for minus 132 yards and four safeties – all NFL single-game records – in the Saints’ 48-0 loss.
“I had a Land Rover back in the ’90s. Repair one thing, something else blew. Head gasket. Universal joints. Couldn’t wait to get rid of it,” Payton said. “Jameis, he’s the same way. Too broken to fix.”

Oct. 5, 2021
HOUSTON – The Houston Texans, essentially playing without a legitimate starting quarterback since the preseason departure of Deshaun Watson to the CFL’s Edmonton Elks, acquired Jameis Winston from New Orleans in exchange for next year’s seventh-round draft pick and a bag of footballs.

Nov. 2, 2021
HOUSTON – After riding the bench while a suddenly rejuvenated Tyrod Taylor led Houston on a four-game winning streak, quarterback Jameis Winston was sold by the Texans the the Tucson Sugar Skulls of the Indoor Football League.

June 25, 2022
TUCSON, Ariz. – After six games as the Tucson Sugar Skulls’ backup quarterback, Jameis Winston stormed into team owner Cathy Guy’s office, bought a controlling interest in the franchise and announced he will start next Saturday against the Bismarck Bucks.
“I’m not sure he’s ready, but who am I to argue with my new boss,” coach Dixie Wooten said.

July 2, 2022
BISMARCK, N.D. – In his first start as Tucson’s quarterback, Jameis Winston threw eight touchdown passes, but they weren’t enough to offset the four interceptions, seven fumbles and eight sacks that helped carry the Bismarck Bucks to a 63-56 victory over the Sugar Skulls.

July 3, 2022
TUCSON, Ariz. – Jameis Winston announced his retirement as a player and will become the Tucson Sugar Skulls’ quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator.