National Football League

Coach explains out-of-shape Jameis Winston photo circulating Internet

Published Feb. 17, 2015 2:19 p.m. ET

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Jameis Winston might want to lay off the crab legs.

A photo of the Florida State quarterback looking rather out of shape started circulating the Internet on Saturday, and it left people wondering how the 2015 NFL draft's top prospect ended up with a gut just before this week's NFL Scouting Combine.

Jameis Winston looking slim pic.twitter.com/IvQd5y2iU9
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) February 14, 2015

The Big Lead's Jason McIntyre reached out to George Whitfield, Winston's private quarterback coach, for answers Saturday and found out that the photo might be a little deceiving.

"The photo of Jameis was taken in early-mid January," Whitfield said. "If people are saying he looks out of shape -- well, did they notice he had the leash tight around his waist? That may have had something to do with it. Jameis is in shape and doing great. Anyone saying he's out of shape, they can check him out at the combine this week."

Winston will be in Indianapolis for the combine, which starts Tuesday. The 2013 Heisman Trophy winner will be trying to solidify his status as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' No. 1 pick over Oregon QB and reigning Heisman winner Marcus Mariota.

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