J.J. McCarthy made the most of his first start for the New York Giants, helping them beat Houston 27-21 in overtime after John Harbaugh named him the team’s new starting quarterback over veteran Jameis Winston.

Quarterback changes can create awkward dynamics, but Winston publicly backed McCarthy with a classy response after the win.

After New York acquired McCarthy from the Minnesota Vikings following Jaxson Dart’s season-ending knee injury, Harbaugh eventually moved him ahead of Winston on the depth chart.

With Winston now publicly supporting McCarthy, fans couldn’t help but praise the veteran’s gesture.

Jameis Winston’s Praise for J.J. McCarthy Turns Heads

The Giants’ 27-21 overtime win over the Texans was crucial for the young quarterback as he looked to get his career back on track.

His struggles with consistency and accuracy had put him on a downward trajectory. McCarthy’s career had taken a sharp turn since Minnesota drafted him No. 10 overall in 2024, from missing his rookie season with a knee injury to losing the Vikings’ starting competition and being traded to New York.

The Week 7 matchup marked his first career start in a Giants uniform. He knew the Texans’ formidable defense would pose a challenge, but he capitalized in the first half with some impressive deep throws.

“Anytime you have a quarterback change and the quarterback gets their first win, immediately you see a shift in the team’s momentum to support and lifting up of that quarterback,” Winston said on Tuesday’s episode of his podcast.

“And JJ did an outstanding job, man, to get his first win as a starting quarterback for the New York Football Giants. And that momentum, it can help propel you even into the next game. Yes, we got a bye week, and we’re coming back with a division opponent next. But when you go on the road and you get a gritty win like that, it just puts a spirit. spirit of joy and a spirit of motivation in your heart for the next opponent,” he added.

Fans who caught Winston’s remarks showered the veteran with praise.

“Having this guy hype you up every game has to be incredible. Will be a NYG legend for the role he’s played,” one fan wrote on X.

“Jameis is a trooper man…if I got replaced at my position at work I wouldn’t be so upbeat lol,” another user wrote.

Meanwhile, another fan praised Winston’s professionalism. “Jameis such a professional and great mentor. Handled this with class, so happy he’s a giant and still finding the endzone,” the user wrote.

“This is really cool. Jameis seems genuinely pumped for JJ,” another fan commented.

One user echoed the sentiment, writing, “Much respect Jaboo.”

Although he didn’t throw a touchdown pass, McCarthy finished the game with 20 completions on 28 attempts for 252 passing yards.

He also made smart decisions by handing the ball to running back Cam Skattebo and leaning on the ground game when it mattered most. The Giants are currently ranked No. 24 in PFN’s NFL Team Impact Rankings with a 71.9 grade and hold a 4-2-1 record this season.

After their bye week, they will face division rival the Philadelphia Eagles on November 8. The game is scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field.