Jameis Winston is taking his job as New York Giants’ quarterback seriously, with starter Jaxson Dart out for the season after knee surgery.
Winston, who filled in for Dart in two games in 2025, told reporters Wednesday that his veteran status gives him firm footing to support Dart during his recovery and lead the Giants in his absence.
“This is what I’ve always dreamed of, to be a starting quarterback,” Winston said.
“Obviously, my respect and gratitude are just going to be with Jaxson, but at the same time, this is what I dream of. I dream of being what I am right now and executing at a high level.”
Winston emphasized that his preparation does not change whether he is the starter or the backup; only his role does.
He plans his entire year around the possibility of being a starting quarterback and winning a Super Bowl. He said he’s focusing on fundamentals and execution, and also on being present in the moment, taking things one play and one game at a time.
After a full season with the team, Winston has earned his teammates’ respect. That respect comes from his servant leadership, which he takes pride in. He said he would use that earned respect and leading by example to convince the team to rally around him.
Winston was asked what he wants to show the fans, but he said what he wants and what he does individually does not matter.
“The fans want to see wins; it’s not about what I’m showing them,” he said. “It’s about us going out there and winning football games together, giving them something to cheer for, giving them something to stand behind.”
Winston said he is doing what he can to help Dart through his injury.
Jameis Winston (19) of the New York Giants throws a pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the fourth quarter of the game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., on Sept. 21, 2026. (Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
The injury is the first major one of Dart’s career, and he is just a few days removed from the injury, which took place during the Giants’ 28–6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football.
On 3rd and 7 from the Rams’ 43-yard line, Dart lofted a pass for tight end Theo Johnson and was sandwiched by edge rushers Byron Young and Josiah Stewart as he threw. He was then seen grabbing his knee on the ground, but was eventually able to walk off the field under his own power. The team confirmed Wednesday that he would miss the rest of the season.
“Jaxson and I talked, and this is pretty fresh, you know?” he said. “So I’m going to keep on lifting him up. He’s a warrior. He’s in good spirits. He’s, again, focusing on what he would love, and that’s healing. And all of us are going to just wrap our arms around him and lift him up. There’s not much that you can say in this moment, but it’s our actions of what we do or how we support him in this time.”
Winston said he was taking the same mentality of presence to Dart, telling him to keep his eye on the things he cannot see right now, keep the faith, and hope everything turns out for the best in the end.
Winston has 89 career starts with a 36–53 record but hasn’t been anything close to a full-season starter since 2019, his last season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A reporter asked him whether he thought he could win as a starter.
“I am very confident in my ability to execute with precision, and to lead the New York Football Giants to victories,” he said. “Very confident in that.”
