National Football League

Agency files to trademark 'Famous Jameis' nickname for Winston

Published Mar. 3, 2015 3:29 p.m. ET

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The marketing agency that represents Jameis Winston is trying to trademark ''Famous Jameis,'' the popular nickname for the Heisman Trophy winner during his two years at Florida State.

Online records with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office indicate The Legacy Agency filed the trademark on behalf of Winston on Feb. 5.

Russ Spielman, a partner of The Legacy Agency, told ESPN.com that the move was made to protect Winston's intellectual property and they hope to use the trademark for ''way down the line.''

Winston won the Heisman and led Florida State to the national championship as a redshirt freshman in 2013 and guided the Seminoles to the College Football Playoff semifinals last season.

He is expected to be one of the first players taken in the NFL Draft in April.

Winston met with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Tuesday, hoping to make a good impression on the team considering taking him with the first pick in the NFL draft.

The Bucs confirmed the former Florida State star was in town Tuesday to sit down with club officials who will be involved in deciding whether to draft Winston. Another quarterback option being considered by the Bucs is Marcus Mariota, the 2014 Heisman winner from Oregon.

Neither Winston nor club officials spoke to the media. However following the visit, the team's website posted a video of the 21-year-old answering questions inside One Buc Place.

"I just want them to know I am human and I'm a great person, and this smile isn't fake," Winston said. "I just want to show them I can be the face of this franchise one day," he added, "and actions speak louder than words."

While it's not unusual to conduct predraft interviews at club facilities, it's rare to bring in a potential pick nearly two months in advance.

The Bucs have the top pick for the first time since 1987. Upgrading at quarterback is a priority after going 2-14 last season and missing the playoffs for the seventh straight year.

Winston won the Heisman Trophy and led Florida State to a national championship as red-shirt freshman in 2013. He also made headlines off the field, including an allegation of sexual assault that did result in any criminal charges.

"It's not really important for me to be the first pick, but it is important to me to be picked," Winston said, adding that he was blessed during his "years at Florida State to win the national championship and just be a winning quarterback.

"I would love to be (drafted) here."