Welcome to Sports Spectrum’s “Weekly Slant.” Today, Jade McCarthy talks to nine-time Pro Bowler Matthew Slater of the New England Patriots about his 200th career NFL game, gratitude for his time with the Pats, sharing his faith with teammates, and his work with Compassion International’s Fill the Stadium initiative.
The “Weekly Slant” streams every Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET during football season, and features interviews and stories at the intersection of football and faith. It can be watched on YouTube, Facebook and here at SportsSpectrum.com.
New York Giants QB Jameis Winston greets U.S. fans, June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Maddy Grassy)
Thousands of soccer fans from around the world have descended upon North America over the past month to cheer on their teams, experience some of the novelties of American culture, and celebrate the absolute best that “the beautiful game” has to offer.
Yet perhaps no one has had more fun than NFL quarterback Jameis Winston. The New York Giants veteran has been serving as Fox Sports’ World Cup correspondent, stepping into some of the unique traditions of other nations and inviting a captivated American audience along for the wild ride.
The 2013 Heisman Trophy winner, 2013 national champion with Florida State, and No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, Winston seemed destined for a lengthy NFL career. What may not have been as expected is that he’s morphed into one of the most engaging personalities in the league.
And as can be seen in his World Cup coverage, Fox Sports is taking full advantage. Winston has also covered the 2025 Super Bowl with Fox Sports and the 2026 MLB opener with Netflix.
“Can’t wait to be back with @FOXSports team,” he wrote on X after announcing he’d be a World Cup correspondent, “and be part of the biggest global sporting event in the World!”
What makes Winston’s extended foray into television this summer more remarkable is that he’s still an active NFL player. The 32-year-old is entering the second season of a two-year deal with New York, last year backing up rookie Jaxson Dart. The Giants held their offseason organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp just before the start of the World Cup on June 11, and their training camp begins a few days after the World Cup final on July 19.
But even with his sights set on a possible second career in television once his time in the NFL comes to a close, Winston isn’t coasting to the finish line. In fact, many believe the 2015 Pro Bowler is still a top-five backup quarterback in the league. He talked about his NFL future, and his deep desire to win a Super Bowl before it’s all over, in his most recent appearance on the Sports Spectrum Podcast in April.
“I believe in the team that’s around me, and I believe in a God that’s providing me with these opportunities,” he said on the podcast about his still yet-to-be-achieved NFL aspirations.
Throughout his career, Winston has also emerged as one of the most recognizable followers of Christ in the NFL. He said on the podcast that he’s learned over the years to rest in God’s sovereignty rather than chase the approval of other people.
“I was so consumed with being liked by my coaches, you know what I’m saying? Being sought in the eyes of my fellow players as a great player,” he said about his early days in the NFL, “that I missed the fact of, ‘God already called me to do this! Why am I trying to go above and beyond to impress somebody that didn’t write this and who didn’t finish it for me?'”
The combination of his gregarious personality, his expressive and candid demeanor, and his Bible-saturated wisdom makes Winston an effective motivator. As a result, he often breaks down Giants huddles, and when it comes to the things of faith, he seeks to inspire others so that they too might come to know the saving grace of his Heavenly Father.
“[God] has given me the responsibility to create disciples in His Name and spread His Word and be bold about Him,” he said on the podcast. “I’m so happy and grateful that God sent His only begotten Son on this earth to die and rise again for not just me but for all of us.”
Winston and his teammates will begin preparing for the 2026-27 season when the Giants report for training camp at the end of this month. New York hopes to improve on a 4-13 record a season ago and return to the playoffs for the first time since 2022-23.
THIS IS THE SPORTS SPECTRUM PODCAST HOSTED BY MATT FORTE, FEATURING MILES MCPHERSON
Miles McPherson was selected in the 10th round of the 1982 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. After being released, he was picked up by the San Diego Chargers, where he would play four seasons as a defensive back.
During his time as a player, McPherson became a follower of Jesus Christ, a decision that would eventually lead him to becoming a pastor. For the past 26 years, he has been the senior pastor and founder of Rock Church in San Diego.
Today on the podcast, Miles shares about the state of the young Christian athlete, his NFL journey, transitioning away from football, the importance of sharing the Gospel, and the importance of “Just 1.”
THIS IS THE GET IN THE GAME PODCAST
HOSTED BY SCOTT LINEBRINK
Today on “Get in the Game,” we welcome Ryan Thompson, a pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He’s posted a 2.73 ERA through 31 relief appearances so far in 2026.
“Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?” Acts 8:30-31
