The most prestigious award in college football goes to Jameis Winston whose eyes are set on much much more; The NFL, MLB and Florida State.
Filled with determination, confidence, humility and a sparkle in his eye, the 78th Heisman winner becomes the youngest to date, the second freshman, the 3rd Seminole, a dual athlete and a desire to be better than Bo.
Photo by Rich Graessle
Jameis Winston joins Florida State’s Charlie Ward and Chris Weinke on the Heisman List with 79.20% of the vote. The 19 year old dons the honor 23 days shy of his birthday. But don’t think for a moment that he’s putting down his glove, bat or his books. He has a vision and his heart is set on more.
“Education’s always first thing,” Winston said. “So when people keep asking, ‘Jameis, are you leaving next year?’ and all this stuff, I say, ‘I need my education.‘ That’s what it’s really about.”
The outfielder and relief pitcher already was drafted in 2012 in the 15th round to The Texas Rangers, but decided to stay in college. He continues to play both for FSU.
“I don’t feel I can play football without baseball,” Winston said. “I don’t feel I can play baseball without football.”
He is encouraged by FSU Head Football Coach Jimbo Fisher stating he has no problem with his star quarterback’s plan to play baseball. In fact, he thinks it might help create a diversion from all the hype that will follow him winning the Heisman.
With a select group of dual Athletes, specifically NFL/MLB connection he stands a good chance to join an exceptional list. Bo Jackson, Deion Sanders , John Elway, Dan Marino, Jack Del Rio, Ronnie Brown, Bill Parcell’s and even more recent Jake Locker, Colin Kaepernick, Brandon Weedon, Matt Moore and Brandon Jones.
The 6′ 4″ Alabama native holds Bo Jackson, the 51st Heisman Winner, in the highest esteem. Ironically Winston and his 13-0 Seminoles will meet Jackson’s alma mater, the Tigers (12-1) in the BCS Championship game on his 20th birthday, January 6th, 2013 in Pasadena, CA.
“He’s a way better athlete than I ever will be,” Winston said. “But hopefully I can be to his standard one day. Hopefully I can be better than Bo.”
No possible way not to mention, Seminole’s two time Super Bowl champ Deion Sanders, who also chimed in on Twitter
Yes Jamies Winston wins the Heisman. #FlaState Truth
— DeionSanders (@DeionSanders) December 15, 2013
Deion who in 1989 hit a home run in the majors and scored a TD in the NFL in the same week. Sanders also drafted in high school chose Florida State and was drafted again by the Yankees in 1988. He is the only man to play in both the Super Bowl and the World Series.
“Football is my wife and baseball is my mistress.” Sanders
And with the Auburn Tigers in the talks, I can’t omit Ronnie Brown, the outfielder also Drafted out of high school to the Seattle Mariners, opted to pick school, the college experience and play football at Auburn, but told me “baseball was really my first sport.” Brown continues to play in the NFL for the San Diego Chargers.
Congratulations Jameis!!
With a good head on his shoulders, strong team of mentors and drive, he is sure to make his dreams come to life. I, for one, am looking forward to watching that happen.
