Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston reportedly takes out insurance policy

According to Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports, reigning Heisman Trophy winner and national champion quarterback Jameis Winston has taken out a substantial insurance policy; worth as much as $8 to $10 million.  Winston will be a redshirt sophomore this season when he leads the Florida State Seminoles offense in addition to being a pitcher on the school’s baseball team.

Should catastrophic injury occur that would prevent Winston from playing football, he would have some financial protection.  Winston’s father has said that his son was going to be in Tallahassee for another two seasons.  For some, that seems like an unlikely scenario as most expect Winston to want to cash in on football.  Much could depend on just how much he likes playing baseball.  Florida State provides him the opportunity to play both sports, at least for a little while longer and there is the possibility that he could pursue a pro baseball career.

Baseball has the advantage of not having the same wear and tear on the body and generally avoiding the areas of the body that would prevent a person from full mental function or mobility.  It also has guaranteed contracts.  Jeff Samardziija faced a similar decision in his time at Notre Dame and to the surprise of many opted to go with baseball.  Samardziija may have gone earlier in the NFL Draft, but he is making more money playing baseball and he is unlikely to sustain the serious injuries that can plague football.

When Winston ultimately decides to leave Florida State is definitely still a question that has to be answered, but it is not a slam dunk as to what he will leave Tallahassee to pursue at this point.  Football may be the overwhelming favorite, but it is not a sure thing.