Jameis Winston addressed the media after the New York Giants named J.J. McCarthy the starter for Sunday’s game against the Texans, returning the veteran to the backup role he held after Jaxson Dart’s season-ending injury.
Winston, who went 2-1-1 as the starter, tied the change directly to the team’s most recent result.
“I believe that last game, it wasn’t what it was capable of being,” Winston said. “I think every single week as a football team, you’re defined off of the last time you stepped foot on the field. So, I believe that based off last game, my job is to lead the New York Football Giants to a win, and that didn’t happen. So that being said, I understand where I’m at now.”
He described his week as unchanged and framed the adjustment as part
of staying focused on the starting job he still wants while supporting those around him.
“You move forward by continuing to focus on what you love, and that’s my desire is being the starting quarterback for the New York Football Giants,” Winston said. “And that’s also pointing to those around me and impacting them the best way that I can. Because like I always say, what I want for myself, I want for everyone.”
Winston has approached the situation through the same serving leadership he has offered younger quarterbacks throughout his career, emphasizing consistency and gratitude.
“Serving leadership is very important in everything that we do,” he said. “First, by example, out there on the field, how you go about your work, how you apply it in the film room, how you’re open and sharing things through your experience that you have encountered. And also just being a listening ear for the young quarterbacks because they haven’t had the years of experience that you have had.”
He has noticed McCarthy’s curiosity and how the former Viking has taken the opportunity after arriving in New York.
The larger team goals set by coach John Harbaugh remain the priority for Winston.
“It is always bigger than an individual piece of the team,” Winston said. “So together, we’re going to collaborate and find ways to succeed, regardless of the circumstances, conditions, or facts, and that is our focus. We all made the agreement that we signed up to be the best in the division in the hopes to have home field advantage in the playoffs, in the dream and the belief that we can win Super Bowl 61.”
Winston said his daily preparation and readiness have not shifted with the role change. He continues to treat every day as a chance to improve so he is prepared whenever the next opportunity arrives.
This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants' Jameis Winston stresses 'serving leadership' after demotion
