Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston quoted a variety of scripture before and after his team defeated rival Pittsburgh Steelers 24-19 on national television Thursday night. During a pregame interview, Winston was asked what it would take for his team (3-8) to defeat the Steelers (8-3), which was leading the division.
"The horse is prepared for battle, but victory comes from the Lord," Winston, 30, who started as quarterback for the Browns in the last four games, said. "I'm depending on the Lord," he added after paraphrasing Proverbs 21:31.
When asked about playing in winter weather and how it could affect his performance in the game, Winston replied, "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."
How did they expect the Steelers to beat this man, on this night? He was blessed to play in the snow he didn’t have to play in it. “day by day. 1 play at a time”. That horse certainly was prepared for battle. Jameis may not win, but he never loses.
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) November 22, 2024
pic.twitter.com/iGZ08tT38v
Following the Browns' upset win, Winston shared that Proverbs 3:5 was one of his favorite Bible verses as he responded to a question about how he maintains his confidence in his field.
"Trust in the Lord with your whole heart and lean not to your own understanding," he said. "I got faith, man. I got faith that I can make something happen at any single time," he proclaimed.
Winston, whose football career spans over a decade, has previously been outspoken about his Christian faith, The Christian Post reports.
In 2016, he and his wife were baptized at a spiritual retreat for athletes. In 2013, he gave glory to God after being awarded with the Heisman trophy as a collegiate football player.
Winston's X profile has the words "1. God 2. School (Learning Everyday) 3. Dream Forever" in his biography, including the hashtag #Phil413, a reference to the Bible verse, Philippians 4:13.
"I can do all things through him who strengthens me," the verse states.
Similarly, Winton's biography on Instagram reads, "God 1st."
Earlier this year, Winston preached at his church, which was also posted to YouTube.
"How many times has He lifted you off your feet when you didn't ask him to?" he asked. "That's how you know that you deserve it. That's how you know that you are worthy. That's how you know that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and gave us the victory."
"We are called not to be lukewarm, let's be hot, let's be on fire for Jesus!" he added.
Photo Credit: ©X/Ryan Clark
Milton Quintanilla is a freelance writer and content creator. He is a contributing writer for CrosswalkHeadlines and the host of the For Your Soul Podcast, a podcast devoted to sound doctrine and biblical truth. He holds a Masters of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary.