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Jenna Laine, ESPN Staff Writer 7y

Jameis Winston's leadership ability on display in latest 'Hard Knocks'

TAMPA, Fla. -- On the first episode of HBO's "Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers," fans got a glimpse into the world of 23-year-old quarterback Jameis Winston with a visit to his childhood home. In the second episode, which aired Tuesday night, there's even more Winston.

But it's not the carefree guy who moonlighted as the "Crocodile Hunter," documenting the live birth of cockroaches on his front porch, or pointing out where guests pee when the toilet's occupied.

Instead, Winston is in "game mode" for the first preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Fans get a look at his pregame rituals, his interactions with teammates and coaches on the sideline, and even some friendly trash talk with opponents.

Most of all, though, they see how he is as a leader and learn why he endeared himself so quickly to teammates, even those much older than him, when he first got to Tampa. They learn why he's played an instrumental role in establishing a new culture in Tampa.

Before games, he goes up to every one of his teammates' lockers, telling them, "I've got your back. I've got your back, all right? Right here, baby. Let's get it tonight. I've got your back. Let's get it."

This isn't an act for the camera, either. He will also stand at the door and shake every one of his teammates' hands as they re-enter the locker room after warm-ups.

He knows all the right buttons to push, including who might need an extra boost, something his mental coach at Florida State, Trevor Moawad, said is because of Winston's "high level of emotional competence."

He tells third-string middle linebacker Riley Bullough, "This time, they're gonna be able to see that leadership shine!"

Bullough responds, "Damn right!"

Winston says,  "I can see it in your eyes. I can see it in your eyes. I feel ya, Riley."

He tells teammates, "I know a lot of people out here tonight waiting on their moment. I know there's a lot of people in red waiting on that one moment to show what [you're] about," Winston says.

"I ain't gonna be able to sleep tonight if I don't seize that one opportunity I get tonight at 7:30 against the Cincinnati Bengals. We only get one. Don't take it for granted, men."

At one point, he and J.R. Sweezy, who teammates swear is the most terrifying guy on the team, say "I love you" to each other.

In arguably his strongest display of leadership, he walks over to the bench and scolds two backup offensive linemen -- James Stone and Jarvis Harrison -- for laughing after quarterback Ryan Griffin suffered a shoulder injury to his throwing arm. It's a sprained AC joint that will keep him out for several weeks.

“I’m happy y’all are having fun, but Ryan just hurt his shoulder," Winston said. "So keep having fun."

The players quickly wiped the smiles off their faces.

This is the same quarterback who, before his rookie camp in 2015, got off the bus first so he could shake every one of his teammates' hands as they entered the building.

This is the same player who told safety Keith Tandy, "Today is your day. Go get your blessing" when he stepped into a starting role against the New Orleans Saints and made the game-winning interception.

"When he talks to you and he looks you in the eye, you feel it like in your soul, and you're like, 'I've gotta make a play for him,'" Tandy said. "His leadership is pretty unbelievable, especially for a guy who is [so young]."

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