Far More Than “Comfortable”
May 2nd, 2015
Back in February and March, Lovie Smith and high-ranking Bucs officials were talking about being “comfortable” making Jameis Winston the face of the franchise.
That’s changed.
Based on the comments of general manager Jason Licht, the Bucs are far more than just “comfortable” in Jameis, they are “confident” and believe his character is so high he will set a leadership standard on the team.
Talk about moving all-in! And combine that with Lovie’s comments to BSPN saying he has full trust in Jameis and there will be no “babysitting service” on the Buccaneers.
Yes, the Bucs didn’t draft a quarterback they thought they could manage and groom. They picked a guy they believe is ready to seize the franchise and the locker room, and be a caretaker of the hearts and hopes of Bucs fans.
Buckle up.
May 2nd, 2015 at 10:32 am
I said it right after the season ended when everyone was saying the “investigation process” hadn’t even started yet and Jameis would slip after people looked into him.
Contrary to popular belief, the vetting process helped Jameis as it showed the team just what kind of a person he really is without the media filter.
May 2nd, 2015 at 10:43 am
No one is going to babysit him. I think the notion of this happening is just silly talk. He’s 21 years old, a grown man. Did anyone babysit previous rookies coming into the team? If not than Jameis will be no different.
Sure some of us would like that to happen and think it’s necessary with this kid, but I don’t think it will.
Did anyone have to watch you when you were 21 years old? He’s not a 5 year old. I think treating him like one would hinder his self confidence, thus hindering one of his main strengths, leadership.
I think everyone Bucs fans included need to let Jameis be Jameis. I’m actually already growing tired of his kiss assing that he’s been doing. On the radio with BD is an example, but there have been more. I hope he doesn’t lose his swag with all this fake humbleness that he’s been showing. Talking about being blessed left and right. I mean he must have said that about 30 times since being drafted. Don’t overkill it or it starts to look fake. Don’t take the Jameis out of Jameis or your not going to get the same player is all I’m saying.
It sounds to me as if someone has been trying to brainwash him too much already, so he stands out like the good guy everyone wants him to be.
I just don’t like fake people, let Jameis be Jameis.
May 2nd, 2015 at 10:45 am
No reason not to be confident. He’s going to take the league by storm and elevate the play of his teammates. Will be amazing to watch. Key piece of the puzzle is that the Bucs are pairing him with a quality OC.
May 2nd, 2015 at 10:49 am
I like the way his little brother was with him in interviews and as he arrived in Tampa.
I like the way he didn’t take time to negotiate a bigger contract. He just wants to ball as soon as possible.
I gotta say, so far as character, he is impressing me so far. Of course, only time will prove things out, but it’s a good start.
btw, the crab legs pick didn’t phase me a bit.
May 2nd, 2015 at 10:50 am
87
Felt the exact same way. He should have told BD “when I start winning games people will like me” or what I would have said “listen this is a 2-14 team I was brought here to WIN do you want that or nah?” Fck the hators they got no balls anyway!!!!
It’s a NEW day in TAMPA BAY!!!! Skipping down the streets.
May 2nd, 2015 at 10:54 am
I read on twitter yesterday that BD said his source for the 2nd accuser coming forward before the draft was the Bucs. If that’s true, then it explains the waiting until last 5 minutes to announce pick. She didn’t come forward.
It also explains the “comfortable” now changing into confident. I read that before the draft, Licht was asked whether he thought Jameis was a bad guy or just immature. Licht said he “leaned” towards immature. But now?
“We’re confident in his character…If we didn’t think he is a great person, we wouldn’t have drafted him.” Jason Licht
“He’s a good football player, a very good person. I know there have been a lot of things said about him. He’s made some mistakes that young people make time to time when they’re young. I definitely don’t think I’ve seen a pattern. I just really believe in him.” Lovie Smith
May 2nd, 2015 at 10:56 am
I haven’t been this excited about the bucs in years. Great job licht you earned your pay this weekend. Let’s see what we do today.
My only knock on licht Is trading away our 4th for Logan mankins. I see tre Jackson sitting there waiting to be reunited with his QB. Would love to add him to the mix. Then we’ll know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the winner will be protected.
I’m so happy right now it’s sickening.
May 2nd, 2015 at 10:56 am
I’m a Tampabaybuc’s fan….so therefore I am a Jameis Winston fan….and now a Donovan Smith fan and…..I think I would be a Ali Marpet fan even if he wasn’t a Buc.
May 2nd, 2015 at 11:05 am
@Jimmy
The comments changed because they didn’t want to give things away completely before the draft. Now that he is picked, they are free to say what they really feel.
May 2nd, 2015 at 11:13 am
I wanted Mariota.
But leading up to the draft I stated that the pick would be Winston, and that once he was drafted, I would support him.
And I am.
I also said that I would probably be more patient with him than any of the Winstonites. And I will. He’s a Buccaneer now. He’s family.
That said, he has a lot of areas to improve in. I’ll be watching and hoping for that improvement.
May 2nd, 2015 at 11:14 am
It is great seeing everyone in Bucs gear around town. It’s been awhile since fans had enough confidence to go out in public and reveal we are Buc fans.
May 2nd, 2015 at 11:17 am
I’m very surprised to hear you say that ’87. I believe that all the gratitude Jameis is expressing is genuine. Making such a point to thank the Glazers for believing in him enough to make him the #1 overall pick. Saying how blessed he is to be in this position after all the negative attention that was put on him and all he has been through because of it the last 2 years.
All the Gratitude Winston is expressing is a sure sign of maturity. I don’t believe it is contrived at all. This young man has grown up A LOT in the last 6 months and I believe he will continue to grow as a human being at a quick pace.
You do not need to be concerned ’87 at seeing Jameis express all the gratitude that he is – along with the humility that is required to do so. It will not cause him to lose his “edge” on the field. In fact – it will enhance it.
Best at your position Warrior on the field and true Gentleman off of it in the mold that the greatest Bucs ever (Brooks and Selmon) both exemplified is EXACTLY what Jameis needs to be striving for. Because we all hope to speak of Winston’s accomplishments both on and off the field in the same breath as Brooks and Selmon one day. If we can – it will mean multiple Super Bowls in the coming years most likely as well as a greatly enriched community. Looks to me like Jameis is off to a good start and trying to head in that direction.
With greatness comes great responsibility.
I’m so glad that Mr Brooks is taking it upon himself to take young Winston under his wing and try to teach him what it means to be a GREAT Buccaneer and what it takes to be a great human being. Jameis seems to be listening. And all the gratitude is a good starting point.
May 2nd, 2015 at 11:19 am
I will support Winston, but I want to be on record that I think passing on Mariota will turn out to be the biggest mistake in franchise history. I really do hope Winston rises to the occasion though and is very successful here, so don’t think that’s an ‘anti-Winston’ position that I’m taking. I just think Mariota is a phenom.
May 2nd, 2015 at 11:22 am
Erik
Respectfully disagree. Can you say Jake Locker?
May 2nd, 2015 at 11:24 am
By far the funniest move on Friday was Denver moving up to get Shane Ray. I mean if you gonna be a pothead there’s no better place to live than Denver. Am I right?
May 2nd, 2015 at 11:27 am
@joe
I hope you are listening to comedy hour that is Dominik on NFL Radio on siriusxm! What a clown shoe he is!
May 2nd, 2015 at 11:27 am
Water under the bridge now….spilt milk….on and on …time will tell…but I am very twitchy with Jameis….
May 2nd, 2015 at 11:28 am
Pick
It not so much that he’s showing humility it’s that it seems as though he’s required to kiss a$$ in order to be accepted. Just win baby and everything else will take care of itself. He’s naturally likable anyway so no reason to go overboard.
May 2nd, 2015 at 11:30 am
I don’t think people understand that that is who Jameis is. I’ve watched all of the weekly Wednesday interviews with Jameis beginning his redshirt freshman year, along with his post game pressers, etc. THIS IS WHO JAMEIS IS.
This is why people love him. He’s not faking anything, 1987. What you see is what you get. When people say he has a “special kind of leadership” and he “loves life”, it’s because he’s always like this. He is a rare talent and a rare leader. If you’re looking/waiting for him to become who the media has portrayed him to be, don’t hold your breath.
May 2nd, 2015 at 11:33 am
Fungi
“Every ting is gonna be alright yea”
May 2nd, 2015 at 11:33 am
Lovie and Licht have their career’s on the line for this kid, so what are they supposed to say? I personally would have chosen the guy with the spotless record off the field. Hey if it goes the nuclear route with Jameis, at least it’s not like before the new CBA, a team can recover quicker with busts now it seems.
May 2nd, 2015 at 11:33 am
Does anyone know of any DTs that could do well if converted to DE?
I’m looking at the remaining DEs and other than 2 of them, none are worthy of draft picks.
Or maybe an OLB that can convert?
If not, then I think if Marcus Hardison and Trey Flowers are off the board when the Bucs pick, they’ll have to go MLB, Safety or more OL.
May 2nd, 2015 at 11:35 am
@daldevs
Aside from Joe, 87 has been the biggest Winstonite here. He isn’t concerned at all. I think you misread his meaning.
May 2nd, 2015 at 11:39 am
Will Rashad Greene or O’Leary become Bucs?
May 2nd, 2015 at 11:43 am
Pickgrin and daldevs…I call it like I see it.
Where’s the swagger that was at the combine during the media sessions?
Since then everyone that’s interviewed him, the swagger seems gone or diminished.
It just seems to me that he’s trying too hard right now to get everyone to like him, including the fans. Perhaps he did come to the realization on his own that this is how he has to go about it, but I don’t think this was his own doing. I could be wrong, but he’s still overkilling it to me. Loosen up kid, and relax is what I’d tell him. Be yourself and not who everyone wants you to be. Also don’t go out of your way to please the negative media, or someone will pick up on it in the media and do another hit piece about it.
I’m not saying he’s not a nice kid. I’m saying he’s overdoing the nice guy thing right now, just a little too much.
I’m happy we got him. I’m actually ecstatic that we got him, I just don’t want him to lose any of his juice, by someone trying to turn him into someone he’s not.
May 2nd, 2015 at 11:43 am
O’leary or tre Jackson. Those are the two on my board. Really wish we still had the 2nd pick in the fourth. Let’s see if either are still available when we pick.
May 2nd, 2015 at 11:46 am
87
congrats man. I heard joe is sending you a press pass in the mail.
#3 #13 ##83 #triangleoffense #justwinbaby
May 2nd, 2015 at 11:51 am
Again, ’87. This is who he is. He’s not overdoing anything. You’re referencing his interviews at the combine. I’m comparing his demeanor over the last 24 hours to that of which I’ve witnessed over the last two years in media sessions. Nothing’s changed, man.
May 2nd, 2015 at 11:52 am
We need a WR… Doubt Greene will be there when we pick..
O’Leary = Brandon Myers and we already have one..
Amos in the 4th or Grady Jenkins(not a need but definitely BPA)
Jake Ryan in the 5th
Smelter, Crowder, Hardy, or Diggs if we can get back into the 5th
May 2nd, 2015 at 11:54 am
Actually, the only thing that’s changed is he’s getting better at dealing with the media. It’s clear he’s more prepared. His demeanor is the same in these types of settings.
May 2nd, 2015 at 11:55 am
WS99 Says:
May 2nd, 2015 at 11:24 am
By far the funniest move on Friday was Denver moving up to get Shane Ray. I mean if you gonna be a pothead there’s no better place to live than Denver. Am I right?
———————————————————–
If he had lived in CO or WA or OR or AK where it is completely legal – or in any of the 20+ states where cannabis is decriminalized, Then he never would have been arrested and would have been a top 10 draft pick.
It is SOOOOO past time to end these draconian laws that criminalize the use of cannabis. Considering and treating someone like a criminal for ingesting a substance that is far less harmful than alcohol is just all kinds of wrong and is a very anti-American stance.
Its time to get this right Floridians and bring resolution to this matter by remembering where the power in this country really lies – with the people. Use the power of your vote in 2016 to take the first step in that direction regarding life ruining for no reason cannabis laws. The people who really need it to help their medical conditions especially are the most vulnerable and there is just NO WAY that denying them this substance that can truly help them is justified.
May 2nd, 2015 at 11:56 am
@BucFanForever
I don’t know about you, but I wear my bucs gear All the time. 2-14 or not. But I digress – Loving the draft so far. I wasn’t jameis’ biggest supporter, but I’m getting more excited by the day. Is it training camp yet?
May 2nd, 2015 at 11:56 am
Dominik and this other guy on NFL radio, especially the other guy, are clueless on Winston.
May 2nd, 2015 at 11:57 am
WS99 Says:
May 2nd, 2015 at 11:33 am
Fungi
“Every ting is gonna be alright yea”
thanks man….have NO idea why I am still being punished…
May 2nd, 2015 at 11:58 am
How about Carolina mimicking the Dunkaneers? My least favorite moment of the draft.
May 2nd, 2015 at 11:58 am
This is going to be a fun ride. The guy is an entertainer too. His press conference yesterday was good. The guy has a sense of humor and is likable. These reporters are going to fall in love with him. He will make their life much easier with good quotes all the time. Now we just need to hope for the wins
May 2nd, 2015 at 11:59 am
Pickgrin Says :
“The people who really need it to help their medical conditions especially are the most vulnerable and there is just NO WAY that denying them this substance that can truly help them is justified.”
What do they take now for meds if pot is illegal? There is no other med for them besides pot?
Sorry to take this thread there, but I didn’t start this, almost never typed a thing about it and just moved on.
May 2nd, 2015 at 12:00 pm
Fungi
You know I love you but I’ve disagrreed with almost everything you’ve posted this offseason. Variety is the spice of life. No worry, no cry.
May 2nd, 2015 at 12:02 pm
One thing I believe about Winston….he is very, very smart….and I do believe he thinks before he speaks….and he usually speaks his mind….he is smart enough to wriggle out of comments that could be taken the wrong way….the crab leg picture was a great example…..he absolutely knew what he was doing….he could have thanked the “Captain” privately….but he wanted to send out the crab leg pic publicly regardless of the consequences. He knew he could say….basically ” aw shucks(no pun)….I just wanted to thank the Captain”
I think we will see more examples of this.
I still think it was unwise and counter-productive to make that a part of the conversation about him on his biggest day….but that was his choice. I think he likes the attention no matter whether it’s good or bad. I’m OK with that going forward as long as he’s a winner….and I actually think he will be.
May 2nd, 2015 at 12:02 pm
Phillip Says
“O’Leary = Brandon Myers and we already have one.”
Trust me, we have no one like O’Leary.
Aside from being the best friend of Jameis Winston, O’Leary is a hard hitting TE with great natural hands in the passing game. At the combine, he was the only TE that didn’t wear gloves to help catch passes. And he didn’t drop any.
In addition to that, he can play halfback as a very hard hitting runner.
Don’t know if you know much about the Irish, but they love to fight. A very violent people. It’s in his blood.
And his build is very like Mike Alstott’s build was. I say bring him in as a halfback.
May 2nd, 2015 at 12:02 pm
This is what I know is going to happen today. The Bucs are going to pick some players who I probably am not too familiar with and so, I will then be reading about our picks, so I can learn about them. Now that we have our QB and some OL help, I would even be happy with BPA at any position. If that means more OL, then great! A slot receiver would be nice too.
May 2nd, 2015 at 12:05 pm
my step mom is dying of cancer 2 months to live. She takes about 10-15 pills and always feel like chit. Brother made her some tea and she chilled laughed and passed out. When she woke you she ate well n was smiling. She did much better with the tea than her drug cocktail.
May 2nd, 2015 at 12:06 pm
@87
I am suprised at you with your take. I thought you knew jameis had a foundation in faith and that is why he feels so blessed and wants to do all he can for his teammates and organization. Dont forget, on his 21st birthday he was home with family praying. His highschool coach tells the stories of jameis at age 15 saying put the back up in because he was not interested in chasing 300 yard games. He wanted the backup to get a chance to play. He told the coach at 15 before the award banquet to give his mvp trophy to the senior running back because he knew more awards would come his way as life goes on. That humility being displayed by winston is geniune. That swag you seek is regulated to the playing field where it is sorely needed.
May 2nd, 2015 at 12:07 pm
TBBF Says :
“I think he likes the attention no matter whether it’s good or bad.”
It’s what I said 3 months ago. He’s a showoff and craves attention. At the same time he knows how good he actually is, which enables him to be a showoff.
I think Tampa Bay is the perfect place for him to play. I think he will enjoy playing for Lovie and will be out to prove why he thinks he’s the best damn QB on the planet.
May 2nd, 2015 at 12:09 pm
@Bonzai
If you want him to be a half back then you have not watched him play football besides the combine… You might be thinking a H Back though.. Furthest thing from a hard hitting TE as well. He is a Brandon Myers type of TE.. He can block smaller to similar size players to him and that’s it. He can’t stretch the field and is stocky. Myers has really good hands as well so catching a ball without gloves doesn’t impress me..
I’d rather not draft any of Winston’s teammates.. He’s in the NFL now he doesn’t need his buddies from college to be successful.
http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015/profiles/nick-oleary?id=2552403
May 2nd, 2015 at 12:10 pm
There is a reason he wasn’t considered a top prospect in a weak TE class…
May 2nd, 2015 at 12:14 pm
Not looking to debate this unrelated topic on a Bucs blog ’87.
Was just stating an opinion because the subject was brought up.
“What do they take now for meds if pot is illegal? There is no other med for them besides pot?”
I know considering all you did on Winston, that you know how to do research and come to your own conclusions despite what the common narrative with an agenda behind it is presented as.
If this subject and your question is truly of interest to you, then some research should yield the answers – as well as help you understand why this substance is vilified for no reason in the 1st place.
May 2nd, 2015 at 12:19 pm
tiny tim…it may be genuine, but to me it does not come across as genuine. That could change as I hear more and more of his interviews…
May 2nd, 2015 at 12:41 pm
Pickgrin there are THC pills that cancer patients have taken for years.
If you tell the positive effects of Marijuana which are still being studied. Tell tell the negative side. Such as lung cancer, addictive, possibly causes dementia (still being study)
Also strong levels of THC are causing hallucinating. Also smoking a joint is as harmful to your lungs as 4 to 12 cigarettes.
Yes it is a pain killer, a appetite situlant but we have good drugs now that do the same thing without the side effects.
May 2nd, 2015 at 12:44 pm
@ 87.
Listen to his interview/podcast with rich eisen after he won the heisman. That may help you ease your concern. It is who he is.
May 2nd, 2015 at 1:05 pm
“ATrain Says:
May 2nd, 2015 at 12:41 pm
If you tell the positive effects of Marijuana which are still being studied.
Tell tell the negative side.
Such as lung cancer”
At best, studies show conflicting results. There is no certainty that marijuana causes lung cancer, especially if the person does not smoke tobacco at all. Besides, edibles of all sorts can be used instead.
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/cam/cannabis/healthprofessional/page5
” addictive”
LOL. Psychologically maybe. But, people can get addicted to many things psychologically. Sugar even. Physically? Not at all.
“possibly causes dementia (still being study)”
Please post results when you get them. Right now, speculation.
Many people get nauseous from Marinol and other supposed alternative drugs/ We don’t need chemical factories trying to make a substitute for a perfectly good plant. As we can see from states that have had medicinal marijuana for a long time, there are no increased problems from marijuana for patients. Hell, a 2,700 year old shaman mummy was found with marijuana inn the Gobi desert. It’s not broke. Don’t fix it.