As Jameis Winston embarks on his first season with the Cleveland Browns, he’s already envisioning Super Bowl glory for his teammate, Deshaun Watson.
Speaking to reporters, Winston expressed his ultra-high expectations for Watson in Cleveland.
“If you think that Deshaun Watson has less expectation than all the fans or all of you have of him, then you’re short-changing yourself because he has high expectations,” Winston said. “He wants to be, and will be, a Super Bowl-winning quarterback, and honestly, that’s what I’m here for.
“I guarantee you I’m feeding that into him. I’m making sure that he knows that and that he doesn’t even need my help because he has it,” Winston continued. “He already has possessed that, and I saw that in him when he won that National Championship against Alabama.”
Watson’s NFL journey has been anything but smooth.
After being drafted 12th overall by the Houston Texans in 2017 and earning three Pro Bowl selections, Watson was traded to the Browns in 2022.
The trade came with a historic, fully-guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract – the largest in NFL history in terms of guaranteed money.
However, Watson’s career has been marred by controversy and setbacks.
He served a one-year suspension in 2022 following numerous sexual harassment allegations dating back to his time with the Texans.
Upon his return last season, Watson’s progress was halted by a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 10 against the Baltimore Ravens.
Despite these challenges, Winston believes Watson remains unfazed.
“One of the most iconic roles that I got a chance to witness Deshaun was when he won the National Championship against Alabama in Tampa, Florida, and in that game, there were some plays where I saw him get hit hard. I saw him get beat up,” Winston said.
“But he persevered. And, I think through his whole life, when you think about the way he grew up, Deshaun was built for adversity. He was built for resilience.”
Winston’s confidence in Watson’s future with the Browns is clear, and as they prepare for the upcoming season, Winston is doing everything he can to help Watson achieve the greatness he sees in his future.
“I know he respects everyone’s opinion, but the most important opinion to him is his [own], and I know that he’s working through a lot of different things, but man, he’s happy,” Winston added.
“He’s poised. He isn’t fazed by anything that anyone has to say because he’s on a mission to be the best quarterback that he can possibly be.
“To whom much is given, much is required, and he knows the magnitude and expectation that a lot of people have for him.”
Do you share Winston’s opinion when it comes to Watson?
Of course, Winston is trying to be a supportive teammate – but do you think he’s getting a little too carried away with the Watson hype?
At the end of the day, will Watson win a Super Bowl in a Cleveland Browns uniform???