Fatherhood, adversity mature Bucs QB Jameis Winston

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston believes he learned valuable lessons through the adversity he experienced this year.

The high emotions he's displayed during his first three seasons have toned down quite a bit.

Winston now believes there are different ways to show leadership.

“When I first came in, I really only had one way," said Winston. "Just discussing with some of my teammates, you have to be able to lead in different ways because some people they react in different ways. Some people need a rah-rah guy, some people need a more cool, collected guy. You’ve got to know the time and the place to use both of those techniques.”

“Jameis has always been a really good communicator," said Dirk Koetter. "He was a good communicator when he got here. Jameis is as passionate about playing football as any guy that I’ve been around. I do think that Jameis has worked to keep his emotions in check. Sometimes when you’re emotional, you can do things without thinking them through. At quarterback, that’s not a good quality to have."

There is one particular reason for Winston's change in demeanor, both on the field and off.

The birth of his son in July has changed the way Winston looks at his job and life. Thinking about how to be a good role model for his newborn brings out different emotions from Jameis.

"It’s unreal, man," said Winston. "It’s hard to describe. Like you’re feeling like when you’ve got with your son. I’m sure people who have kids, I talk to you all the time about your son. It’s just – it’s different, man, it’s different because you know who you’re playing for every Sunday. You know why you’re coming in this building at 5 o’clock in the morning – for him.”

Winston has had to grow up quickly with all of the troubles he put himself in. He's still only 24 years old, but he's showing positive signs towards maturity.