The weather for Thursday night’s game between the Browns and Steelers was brutal, as the game was played in sub-40-degree weather with a “wintry mix” of rain and snow.
While some players may dread playing in these conditions, Browns quarterback Jameis Winston was apparently not one of them. Winston, who played college football at Florida State and spent time with the Buccaneers and Saints, hadn’t played in a game this cold in his entire football career.
Before the game, Amazon’s Kaylee Hartung spoke with Winston about the conditions, and the Browns quarterback gave one of his classically bizarre quotes that he usually reserves for his unique pregame speeches.
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Winston went on to lead the Browns to a 24-19 victory over the Steelers, with the second half almost exclusively played in snow, giving the quarterback his wish. He provided the full Jameis Winston Experience along the way.
Here’s how Winston’s wild Thursday night unfolded.
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Jameis Winston pregame interview vs. Steelers
Hartung interviewed Winston right before kickoff, asking the Browns quarterback what it would take to beat the Steelers. In his answer, Winston relied on his faith in his own, unique way.
“The horse is prepared for battle, but victory comes from the Lord,” he said. “So, I’m dependent on the Lord.”
Additionally, Hartung asked about playing in the cold weather, especially considering Winston is used to warm weather games. However, the quarterback was clearly looking forward to playing in the weather, smiling wide during the question.
“I am so happy and grateful that the Lord has blessed me to play in some snow, to be in true football weather in Cleveland, Ohio at Huntington Bank Field today to give him the glory,” Winston added. “It’s a beautiful day.”
“The horse is preparing for battle, but victory comes from the Lord.”
A vintage Jameis Winston pregame interview with @KayleeHartung.#TNFonPrime pic.twitter.com/JXSktnrQ6F
— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) November 22, 2024
When Winston signed in Cleveland during the offseason, he must have been hoping to play in a game like this. Let’s see if his actual performance matches his enthusiasm.
Jameis Winston postgame interview vs. Steelers
Winston was the special guest on Amazon’s postgame show, and the quarterback explained his excitement to play in the snow.
“When I woke up this morning, and I FaceTimed my wife and my boys were going to school, my baby was eating the snow,” he told the Amazon crew. “I’m definitely going to eat some snow today.”
“I’m definitely going to eat some snow today.”
Never change, Jameis Winston. #TNFonPrime pic.twitter.com/1R5MQBAByU
— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) November 22, 2024
“I’m just happy that I can see a victory.” 🤣
Jameis Winston discusses the challenge of the snow getting thicker.#TNFonPrime pic.twitter.com/HHN0EghKCr
— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) November 22, 2024
Then, at the end of the interview, Winston and the entire Amazon crew ran onto the field to create snow angels, which turned into the six of them getting into a snowball fight.
The TNF Crew having FUN in the snow with Jameis! 😂 pic.twitter.com/tCuyZlbyiG
— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) November 22, 2024
Jameis Winston stats and highlights vs. Steelers
Winston completed 19-of-27 passes on the night, with 219 passing yards, a rushing TD, and, in classic Winston fashion, two key fourth-quarter turnovers. However, it was his rushing touchdown that gave Cleveland a key score in the fourth quarter.
JAMEIS WINSTON AIRBORNE IN THE SNOW FOR SIX!#PITvsCLE on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/BWdtg7I83A— NFL (@NFL) November 22, 2024
The battery for Winston’s helmet communication device was dislodged on the TD, but he stayed in the game and delivered a scoring strike on the two-point conversion with the battery hanging in front of his face.
this is INSANE
Jameis Winston’s communication device gets jacked up
battery pack hanging in his line of vision
still perfect accuracy in the snow for the 2-pt pic.twitter.com/JM43E1pYef
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) November 22, 2024
Winston also made some crucial plays on the Browns final drive in the snow, to get the team in position for the game-winning touchdown.
Jameis to Jeudy again!#PITvsCLE on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/j2UBURnWED— NFL (@NFL) November 22, 2024
Jameis. Jeudy. The @Browns stay alive on the drive.#PITvsCLE on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/nclUz6KBM9— NFL (@NFL) November 22, 2024
Jameis extends the play and finds Jeudy for the 1st down!#PITvsCLE on Prime Video
Also streaming on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/xIAZkUoCvY— NFL (@NFL) November 22, 2024
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