Jameis Winston is now the New York Giants’ starter. He’s far from a goofball hero though

Jameis Winston has been named the starting quarterback for the New York Giants. Yet, he is hardly a comedic hero figure.

The signal-caller is widely popular both on and off the field. Whether he truly merits the public attention is an open question.

Throughout NFL history, there has been no shortage of class clowns. Not long ago, Rob Gronkowski served as the league’s jester. This tradition stretches back through Pat McAfee and Chad Ochocinco, past Jared Allen and John Randle, to Jim McMahon, Steve McMichael, John Riggins, Alex Karras, and Billy “White Shoes” Johnson.

There is likely a profound observation to be made about the necessity of goofballs in a sport defined by militarized discipline and a seriousness that teeters on self-mockery. But what matters now is how we view these chosen entertainers.