Jameis Winston traded the gridiron for the world’s game this summer, living it up with a different kind of football (and football fans) as a FOX Sports World Cup correspondent for the 2026 tournament.
Winston — the 2013 Heisman Trophy winner and current quarterback for the New York Giants — will take the hype around the largest World Cup yet, as a 48-team tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Here’s a look at some of the best moments from Winston’s World Cup journey:
Convinced Mariners Fans To Start “USA” Chants
Winston has now found himself at a Seattle Mariners game, where he was honored with the opportunity to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Next, he’ll turn his attention to soccer as the United States men’s national team prepares to face Australia at Seattle Stadium on Friday night.
Jameis Winston throws first pitch at Seattle Mariners game
During his appearance at T-Mobile Park, Winston rallied the crowd into a loud chorus of “USA” chants. His mission was to create the biggest chant possible in Seattle, and by all accounts, he succeeded.
As Winston’s World Cup journey continues across the country, he is bringing fans together through a shared love of the game. The roaring “USA” chant at the Mariners game was another example of his ability to connect with sports fans wherever he goes.
Now, it doesn’t seem likely that these England supporters actually have the royal authority to knight Jameis Winston, but listen: it’s the World Cup, everyone is having a good time, so, Sir Jameis Winston it is, even if just for a day.
Even if being knighted is an ephemeral act, that kit is not: Winston now has himself an England jersey with his name on it. A knight’s cuirass? Brigandine? Hauberk? His chain mail? Whichever it’s standing in for, it’s custom just for Jameis.
Lionel Messi has completely taken over Argentina’s opening FIFA World Cup match against Algeria, scoring not one, not two but three goals, completing the hat trick. He would have even had a fourth if he hadn’t been ruled offside earlier in the first half.
Jameis Winston had the best angle on Messi’s golazo and was seen celebrating with fans in Argentina’s section. He was also wearing a customized “Winston Argentina” jersey.
Tuesday ahead of Argentina’s World Cup opener against Algeria in Kansas City, Winston was getting pumped for the match. But he wasn’t alone.
Winston had a pal with him, a literal real-life goat named Wesley, who was perfectly dressed for the occasion in a Lionel Messi jersey. This World Cup is expected to be Messi’s last, and because of that, it’s worth celebrating and savoring every moment the GOAT is on the pitch.
It’s not often to see a goat, much less one adorned in the trademark colors of a living legend, being at the center of attention ahead of one of the most anticipated games at the tournament. But Wesley-dressed-as-Messi deserves all the love he was shown in KC.
Winston continues to be a national treasure when it comes to his involvement in the World Cup this year. He was spotted helping Japanese fans clean up the stands (a tradition that was spotlighted after the team’s first World Cup in 1998) following Japan’s thrilling 2-2 draw with the Netherlands on Sunday afternoon.
The FOX Sports broadcast team, featuring Rob Stone, couldn’t contain their excitement for Winston as the feed shifted over to him in the crowd.
“Jameis Winston is working with the Japanese national team to clean up Dallas Stadium,” Stone said. “He’s a man of the people. Show me a number one draft pick in NFL history who takes out his own garbage bag and cleans up inside the stadium.
One of the Japanese fans later described how he was surprised to see an NFL quarterback joining the clean-up effort, but was appreciative on Winston joining the cherished tradition.
Jameis got up close and personal with one of the best fan bases in the world in Dallas, where the Netherlands and the always raucous “Oranje Army” know how to make an entrance.
Winston rode along with the Dutch fans in their “Oranje Army Bus” and admitted that “there’s nothing bigger than the Dutch Army.”
USA! USA!
Jameis took in the sights and sounds at Los Angeles Stadium for the United States’ opening match Friday, which included meeting up with influencer IShowSpeed. Not a bad way to see one of the USA’s biggest wins ever at a World Cup.
Jameis Winston Witnesses USA’s CRAZY FIFA World Cup™ Win! 🇺🇸 🤯
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