METAIRIE, La. -- Jameis Winston initially tried to downplay the significance of making his first start against his former team Sunday when the New Orleans Saints host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- calling them "the next opponent."
But the former No. 1 overall draft pick went on to explain that the main reason for that approach is because he doesn't need any added emotion or revenge element while he attempts to revive his career in New Orleans.
"This week is big. But I mean every week is big for me. Being out a year, you get a chance to see how much you miss being away from this game," said Winston, who spent last year as a backup behind Drew Brees after Tampa Bay decided to replace him with Tom Brady and went on to win the Super Bowl.