New York Giants’ Jameis Winston warms up before an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
It’s a time of change this fall for the New York Giants. Head coach Brian Daboll was fired this week, and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka has been named interim head coach. And now there will be yet another starting quarterback for the Giants this season in veteran Jameis Winston, who’s New York’s third starter this season.
Why Jameis Winston Is Starting For The Giants
New York turns to Winston with rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart in concussion protocol. The 2-8 Giants have a home game against the 5-3-1 Green Bay Packers on Sunday.
Although Russell Wilson came in for Dart last week in a 24-20 loss to the Chicago Bears, Wilson was just 3-of-7 for 45 yards. Furthermore, Wilson is 0-3 as a starter for the Giants this season, and it seems like a sound decision turning to a player like Winston, who’s made 87 career starts and is eager for another chance to start.
Jameis Winston Makes Bold Statement
Winston spoke with the media on Wednesday and made it clear he wants to play at a high level.
“I want fans to know that I’m going to do my best,” Winston said. “Obviously, I’m gonna have fun, but I’m gonna execute. Have a surgical execution and just play ball, man. This is something I’ve been doing since I’ve been four years old. Now, I get to do it in the greatest city in the world. I’m gonna be singing it with my son. It’s the greatest city in the world! That’s a ‘Hamilton‘ reference, if y’all don’t know.”
Winston, now in his 11th NFL season, isn’t making this new opportunity more stressful than it needs to be.
“I’m going to get some good sleep. It’s beautiful when you can get sleep because you feel like that you’re what you desire to be,” Winston said. “I’m just extremely grateful that I get to be the starting quarterback for the New York football Giants.”
Mike Kafka Expresses Confidence In Jameis Winston
Giants interim head coach Mike Kafka had good things to say about Winston when asked what he brings to the table.
“I think Jameis has done a great job since he’s been here. Just like all our quarterback room, I’ve got a lot of trust in that room, being in there all the time, pretty much every single day since we’ve been here. But I’ve got a good feel for those guys, and I think Jameis will do a heck of a job. He’s a great leader. He has a lot of production in this league, and I think he’s going to do a great job leading that group.”
Russell Wilson Reacts To Winston Being Named Giants Starting Quarterback
Wilson is disappointed he’s not starting but feels Winston deserves the opportunity and is happy for him.
“Obviously, I want to play, but Jameis has worked his butt off to give him a great opportunity,” Wilson said. “He’s a guy that’s played in this league for a long time and he’s one of my closest friends. I know he’ll do a great job and I’ll help him prepare the best way possible.”
Can Winston Lead The Giants To Victory Over The Packers?
The Packers have lost two in a row and have only scored 20 points the past two weeks, falling 16-13 to the Carolina Panthers and 10-7 to the Philadelphia Eagles. Although Winston will have to go up against Packers pass rusher Micah Parsons, the elite defender hasn’t tallied a sack the past two games.
Winston has the ability to put up prolific numbers, for better and worse. Ever since Winston entered the NFL, he’s made huge plays and big interceptions. Winston has thrown for 24,225 yards in his career with 154 passing touchdowns and 111 interceptions. While there aren’t high expectations for a Giants team with just two wins, Winston could make things interesting against the Packers on Sunday.