Jameis Winston Discusses Growing Up Admiring Tom Brady Prior to Week 5 Showdown

Jameis Winston was six years old when Tom Brady joined the NFL. On Thursday night, his Tampa Bay Buccaneers will host the New England Patriots for the first time in his career.

Per NESN.com's Ricky Doyle, the 23-year-old quarterback praised his decorated Week 5 opponent.

"Growing up—Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, guys of that nature and more—every successful quarterback that was playing when I was coming up, I admired them," Winston said.

"Tom Brady, in particular, he is the winningest. He has won more Super Bowls than each of those guys, so to me that is the most important part. His ability to protect the football and take advantage of those opportunities when they are given to him is impeccable."

Luckily for Winston, he is not directly responsible for containing the five-time Super Bowl champion. He instead faces a Patriots defense that has allowed an NFL-worst 324 passing yards per game. All four opposing passers have thrown at least two touchdowns against them this season.

Winston grew up watching Brady, but he now may have to keep pace with the future Hall of Famer in a potential shootout.