Everyone calls him “Jaboo” now, a nickname his mother, Loretta, gave him as a baby that stuck throughout his career. Before Jameis Winston became a college football star, his parents dressed their toddler in oversized football jerseys. They took photos for fun. And that eventually shaped every his journey. From those early photo sessions to building character, they guided him through youth football, high school success, and eventually to college and pro football. Now, that journey comes full circle with Jameis Winston being inducted into the Florida State Athletics Hall of Fame on Friday, September 19. Jaboo will stand among seven Seminole greats honored this year.

To mark the moment, Winston’s father, Antonor Winston, shared an emotional message on X that captured their story. “From the very first time I put a football in your hands with the Bessemer Tigers, to watching you grow with the Hoover Bucs, Hueytown Middle School, Hueytown High School, Florida State, and now in the NFL. I have seen your journey firsthand,” wrote Antonor. “I have coached you, trained you, and most importantly, watched you develop into not only a great player, but an even greater man.”

Antonor’s message shared the three life rules that guided Jameis. “God, School, and the belief that anything you put your mind and heart to can be accomplished through God’s mercy, grace, blessings, faith, and favor.” He also emphasized the football idea that shaped his son’s career: “Never give up. Never give up. Never give up”.

This discipline showed early. Even at 12 years of age, Jameis kept a middle school notebook filled with quarterback basics. Leadership, dedication, desire, mental toughness, character, and confidence were all there. After youth football games, his father would quiz him about the NFL’s best quarterbacks. When asked who was the best, Jameis always said, “Randall Cunningham.” When asked if he thought it was himself, he’d say, “No, I’ve got to get better”.

Jamies’ drive for improvement led him to train with Mark Freeman in nearby Bessemer three to four days a week. They spent hours on basics before going to Freeman’s office for “chalk talk” sessions. His fighting spirit showed best under pressure, as youth coach Fred Green remembered. “Game time, he never flinched,” Green said. “He’d play his heart out, and he’d do just what you’d tell him.”

At Florida State, Winston changed from a promising recruit into a legend. He went 26-1 as a starter while winning the 2013 national championship and Heisman Trophy at age 19. His two seasons at FSU produced nearly 8,000 passing yards and 65 touchdowns. This made him one of college football’s greatest players before Tampa Bay picked him first overall in 2015. The adversity he faced only made Winston more determined to prove doubters wrong, and his college success showed the power of his father’s “never give up” teaching.

As he joins the ranks of Florida State Legends, Winston honored the moment in his own words. “At Florida State, if we gonna do it, then we do it big. I am so happy and grateful to be going into the FSU Hall of Fame. Noles forever!” His father’s closing message captured their bond perfectly: “Son, today as you enter the Florida State Hall of Fame, I want you to know how proud I am of the man you’ve become. Continue to be a great father, a great person, a great son, a great brother, a great cousin, a great uncle, and a great teammate. I love you, and I am beyond proud of you. Congratulations, Jameis—keep getting 1% better every single day. Go Noles!!!” With a father like his guide and the lessons he carried from childhood, what more could an athlete ask for?

NFL Career: The Next Chapter

Winston’s pro career has lasted ten years across four teams. He’s produced over 24,000 passing yards and 150 touchdowns in 105 NFL games. After setting multiple rookie records with Tampa Bay, he led the league with 5,109 passing yards in 2019. This showed the same fearless approach Fred Green saw in youth football. His path through New Orleans, Cleveland, and now the New York Giants shows his ability to bounce back from setbacks. He has stepped in for injured starters and delivered memorable performances, including a 497-yard game in Cleveland.

The character traits Antonor praised have shaped Winston’s pro relationships as much as his stats. Whether teaching young quarterbacks or lifting team spirits during tough times, Winston keeps following the principles he learned. His Hall of Fame honor represents more than individual success.

From those early photos in oversized jerseys to this crowning achievement, the Winston family story proves that behind every champion stands a foundation of love, faith, and the simple but powerful belief to never give up.