Jameis Winston officially declares for NFL draft, releases statement

Jan 1, 2015; Pasadena, CA, USA; Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston (5) during the post-game press conference after the 2015 Rose Bowl college football game at Rose Bowl. Oregon Ducks defeated Florida State Seminoles 59-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston officially declares for the 2015 NFL Draft and released a statement explaining his decision.

Many expected Florida State Seminoles quarterback and 2013 Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston to enter the 2015 NFL Draft after losing the first game of his college career to Oregon in the 2015 Rose Bowl. There were reports that he planned on leaving college for the NFL stemming from comments from his father earlier in the day, and now Winston has confirmed them with a rather lengthy statement of his own, which was released on his behalf by the Legacy Agency, via ESPN.

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“After weighing this decision with my family and friends, I have decided to declare for the 2015 NFL draft and forgo my remaining eligibility at Florida State. I reached this very difficult decision after careful consideration and long thought, realizing how difficult it would be to say goodbye to my family at Florida State. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to wear the garnet and gold and have greatly enjoyed my time as a Seminole, both as an athlete and a student in the classroom.

“I will always take pride in leading our team back to national prominence and am confident that my returning teammates will continue the success for many years to come.

“To the fans, I can’t thank you enough for the support you showed me and the team over the last three seasons; it was a humbling experience to bring the Championship back to Tallahassee for you all to enjoy.

“To my teammates, it’s been an incredible opportunity to play with the most impressive collection of talent and people the game has seen; you all have been there for me through the highs and lows and the relationships we have formed extend well beyond the field. For this, I thank you.

“To the coaching staff and especially Coach Fisher, I am forever grateful for the ways you developed me as a player and a person as I have grown over the years. I knew I made the right decision to come to Florida State four years ago and couldn’t be happier with this choice as I write this today.

“As I embark in the next challenge of playing in the NFL, I look forward to contributing to a long line of successful alumni at the next level. I want you all to know that I will make Seminole Nation proud and continue to bring the passion and love for the game you all have seen in Doak Campbell since my first day as a ‘Nole. Thank you for making my time in Tallahassee the of the best years of my life.”

Given the troubles and run-ins he has had during his college career, the jump makes sense. He will be a high first-round draft pick and earn himself a nice contract providing some financial security.

Of course there is an argument to him staying in college too. That would allow him to mature and possibly iron out any character concerns. It could also allow him to have a better season and work on some of those interception issues that plagued him over the past season.

But neither of those factors seem to have impacted his draft stock at the moment and he is expected to be one of the first players off the board.

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