Bling Fueled Fire
September 15th, 2016
Got Jameis’ attention.
America’s Quarterback, Pro Bowler Jameis Winston, always had a drive and passion for football. But it was a chance encounter with an NFL offensive coordinator and his bling that stoked young Jameis’ fire to succeed.
When Jameis was a freshman in high school, the NFL offensive coordinator remembered, the two met at a football camp in Birmingham, Ala., near Jameis’ hometown in suburban Bessemer.
The coordinator’s name? Current Arizona coach Bruce Arians.
Not long before the savvy veteran quarterback guru and the young prodigy met, Arians helped guide the Steelers to a win over the Cardinals in Tampa to win Super Bowl XLIII.
That day when the Arians met Jameis, Arians just happened to be wearing his Super Bowl bling, and it made a big impression.
“Bruce used to hold local camps in Birmingham that I used to attend,” Jameis recounted yesterday at One Buc Palace. “Met him a couple times and one thing I just remember is him showing me those Super Bowl rings and I still haven’t gotten one yet, so I’m shooting for that. He really motivated me to go after a Super Bowl. He showed me that Pittsburgh one and it was gorgeous, so he really inspired me to go after a Super Bowl.”
When it was relayed to Jameis that earlier in the day Arians referred to him as a “legend in Birmingham,” and even called Jameis by his childhood nickname, “Jaboo,” Jameis genuinely seemed embarrassed and quickly wanted to change the subject.
“He’s probably just saying that,” Jameis said. “I don’t believe that, but it’s about us playing against them. The past is the past. I’m pretty sure after the game I’ll give him a big hug, but we’re playing against the Arizona Cardinals. We’ve got to get ready to play these guys. These guys are a good team.”
This, to Joe, said the world about Jameis. One of the most respected coaches in the NFL threw major accolades his way, and instead of basking in the adoration, Jameis wanted to discuss the task at hand: beating Arizona.
Pretty savvy instincts for a guy just beginning his second year in the NFL.
September 15th, 2016 at 7:05 am
The Legends of Jaboo grows even larger!
September 15th, 2016 at 7:06 am
If we win it will be because of Jameis. I hope he’s able to make it happen.
September 15th, 2016 at 7:19 am
Well then go get yourself one!!
September 15th, 2016 at 7:32 am
Where are all the Mariota fans now? Did anyone see HIS presser after the Vikings game? Boy looked like he wanted to cry. Love me some Jameis, glad Licht did not listen to Father Dungy on this one
September 15th, 2016 at 7:35 am
Jameis your doing so good my man. Just keep grinding, in time you’ll get that ring. For now though, let’s go beat some more birds huh!? Sunday hurry up!
September 15th, 2016 at 8:06 am
We beat Palmer before we can do it again. O line needs to make sure Dougie and Simcity go off this Sunday then Fameis can pick apart their secondary.
September 15th, 2016 at 8:55 am
Focus and determine!
September 15th, 2016 at 8:56 am
Nicely written article Joe. I see that Ira’s talents as a wordsmith are already rubbing off and having a positive effect on articles written by the Joes.
You guys are probably reading Ira’s stuff and then somewhere inside is the thought – “Damn – he’s good. Need to up my own game to maintain a consistent feel”. LOL
Keep up the good work JBF. All of your hard work over the last year 8 years – diligently and thoroughly covering and reporting about a perpetually losing team – is about to pay off.
Ira’s point recently that the Tampa Bay area literally goes crazy in a good way for the Bucs when they are playing well is very true.
We got Jaboo – and this chits about to get fun….
September 15th, 2016 at 9:05 am
Great story. I love stuff like this. Two years ago I was just another Gator fan saying Winston was overrated and at times lucky. Now I’ve got a belly full of crow and smile on my face. This dude was born to be a QB. And we’re lucky the Alabama legend straps on a Bucs jersey on Sunday.
September 15th, 2016 at 9:29 am
Fantastic story.
September 15th, 2016 at 9:37 am
Mentally and emotionally #3 is 22 going on 40.
My wife and I have a saying about friends and acquaintances. When talking about them we frequently separate them simply into two groups…they get it or they don’t.
#3 clearly “gets it”!
September 15th, 2016 at 10:37 am
Hope Joe doesn’t mind the BSPN link.
Any Bucs fan who has never read “The Legend of Jameis Winston” needs to read it. Written just days before he made his 1st start for Florida State (a stunning debut which would culminate in a magical National Championship winning year) – its an informative look at Winston’s developmental years from pop warner through high school – and why he was always destined for greatness.
http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/9626566/florida-state-quarterback-jameis-winston-legend-making-first-seminoles-snap
September 15th, 2016 at 11:21 am
I notice Dungy now having to give Jameis some credit reluctantly. Mr. know it all eats crow.