Jimmy Graham has message for Jameis Winston critics

Aug 13, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham (80) looks on before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Jameis Winston put New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen in a difficult position on Sunday, but it sounds like the quarterback has the full support of his teammates.

The Saints were up 41-17 and had the ball at the 1-yard line with just over a minute remaining in their win over the Atlanta Falcons. Rather than taking a knee, Winston handed the ball to running back Jamaal Williams, who scored his first touchdown of the season. Falcons head coach Arthur Smith angrily confronted Saints head coach Dennis Allen over the play after the game (video here).

Allen apologized in his postgame press conference and called it “unacceptable” that his players wanted to get Williams a touchdown. Winston later apologized to Allen for ignoring the victory formation play call but said it was a “team decision.”

On Monday, Saints tight end Jimmy Graham took to social media to defend Winston. He called the quarterback “the best teammate I’ve ever had.”

Get off @Jaboowins back. This man is the best teammate I’ve ever had. Loves this city, this game and embodies everything you can ask for in a leader. Was a rare situation and we all take responsibility. Nobody thought it would get blown out of proportion. Also f*ck the falcons pic.twitter.com/nUMQQPX1M6

— Jimmy Graham (@TheJimmyGraham) January 8, 2024

“Get off @Jaboowins back. This man is the best teammate I’ve ever had. Loves this city, this game and embodies everything you can ask for in a leader. Was a rare situation and we all take responsibility. Nobody thought it would get blown out of proportion. Also f*ck the falcons,” Graham wrote.

Williams led the NFL with 17 rushing touchdowns a year ago. He battled some injuries this season and did not take on nearly as big of a role as envisioned. Winston and other Saints players obviously wanted Williams to end a tough year on a high note.

Smith was fired by the Falcons on Monday. He was likely going to lose his job anyway, but you can understand why he felt the Saints made him look even worse than he had to.