James Winchester (American football)
James Winchester (born August 6, 1989) is an American football long snapper for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at University of Oklahoma.[1]
.JPG.webp) Winchester in the 2019 NFL season | |||||||||
| No. 41 – Kansas City Chiefs | |||||||||
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| Position: | Long snapper | ||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||
| Born: | August 6, 1989 Washington, Oklahoma | ||||||||
| Height: | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | ||||||||
| Weight: | 240 lb (109 kg) | ||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||
| High school: | Washington (Washington, Oklahoma) | ||||||||
| College: | Oklahoma | ||||||||
| Undrafted: | 2013 | ||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||
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| * Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |||||||||
| Roster status: | Active | ||||||||
| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||
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| Career NFL statistics as of Week 18, 2021 | |||||||||
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| Player stats at NFL.com · PFR | |||||||||
Professional career
Philadelphia Eagles
Winchester signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent on August 11, 2013. He was released by the team on August 25 during the Eagles first round of roster cutdowns.[2]
Kansas City Chiefs
Winchester was signed by the Kansas City Chiefs on March 13, 2015.[3] On January 23, 2017, Winchester signed a five-year, $4.45 million contract extension with the Chiefs.[4]
On September 17, 2017, in Week 2 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Winchester forced a fumble on a Darren Sproles punt return. The fumble was recovered by teammate Anthony Sherman and helped set up a field goal scoring drive.[5]
Winchester won Super Bowl LIV with the Chiefs after defeating the San Francisco 49ers 31–20.[6]
On November 23, 2021, Winchester signed a two-year contract extension with the Chiefs through the 2023 season.[7]
Personal life
Winchester's father Michael, who was a punter at Oklahoma from 1984–85, was killed in a shooting at Will Rogers World Airport on November 15, 2016.[8] He is married with one son.[9]
Winchester is a Christian. He has said, “My faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation of everything. It’s why I’m here today. It’s why I’m able to wake up every morning and breathe the air that I do. He is the reason for everything. Through the good and the bad, He’s been with me. He’s been so good to me and my family. There are so many blessings, and things through life that happen — good or bad — that He’s been with us. I think we just owe it all to Him. I’m thankful to be here.”[10]
References
- Sooners Bio
- "Kansas City Chiefs: James Winchester". Kansas City Chiefs. Retrieved November 1, 2017.
- "Chiefs sign long-snapper James Winchester to two-year deal". FoxSports.com. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
- Roesch, Wesley (February 1, 2017). "James Winchester's extension is for 5 years, $4.45 million". ChiefsWire.USAToday.com. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
- "Philadelphia Eagles at Kansas City Chiefs – September 17th, 2017". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 21, 2017.
- "Super Bowl LIV – San Francisco 49ers vs. Kansas City Chiefs – February 2nd, 2020". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
- "Chiefs sign LS James Winchester to 2-year contract extension". Chiefs Wire. USA Today. November 23, 2021.
- Paylor, Terez A. (November 15, 2016). "Father of Chiefs long snapper killed in Oklahoma City shooting on Tuesday". The Kansas City Star. Retrieved November 15, 2016.
- Bailey, Eric (February 4, 2020). "OU football: Family celebration after Super Bowl win exactly how James Winchester's father would have wanted it". Tulsa World. Retrieved July 23, 2020.
- Claybourn, Cole. "Led by his faith in Jesus, long snapper James Winchester ties Chiefs playoff appearance record". Sports Spectrum. Retrieved January 22, 2022.