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Cedric Tillman Admits 'I Was Laughing' During Jameis Winston's Viral Pregame Speech

Zach BacharContributor IOctober 28, 2024

CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 20: Cedric Tillman #19 of the Cleveland Browns carries the ball during the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Huntington Bank Field on October 20, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman has revealed he couldn't keep a straight face during Jameis Winston's pregame speech on Sunday.

"I'm not gonna lie, I was laughing a little," he told Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.

The veteran quarterback's passionate speeches have become well-known, and he gave his Browns teammates another one before a surprising 29-24 win over the Baltimore Ravens.

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Another iconic Jameis Winston hype speech 🗣️<br><br>📺: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BALvsCLE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BALvsCLE</a> on CBS/Paramount+<br>📱: <a href="https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt">https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt</a> <a href="https://t.co/ISPXHAnKvh">pic.twitter.com/ISPXHAnKvh</a>

Winston finished 27-of-41 for 334 yards and three touchdowns without throwing an interception in his first start of the season. Meanwhile, Tillman hauled in seven of his nine targets for a team-high 99 yards and two touchdowns.

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Jameis finds Cedric Tillman to retake the lead!<br><br>📺: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BALvsCLE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BALvsCLE</a> on CBS/Paramount+<br>📱: <a href="https://t.co/waVpO909ge">https://t.co/waVpO909ge</a> <a href="https://t.co/sjSIvER5b5">pic.twitter.com/sjSIvER5b5</a>

NFL @NFL

JAMEIS GOING FOR IT ALL!<br><br>📺: <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BALvsCLE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BALvsCLE</a> on CBS/Paramount+<br>📱: <a href="https://t.co/waVpO909ge">https://t.co/waVpO909ge</a> <a href="https://t.co/hAZ6Y2r9px">pic.twitter.com/hAZ6Y2r9px</a>

The signal-caller also went viral for channeling Eminem in his postgame comments, reciting lyrics from "Lose Yourself" when discussing the victory:

NFL on CBS 🏈 @NFLonCBS

You only get one shot<br>Do not miss your chance to blow<br>This opportunity lasts once in a lifetime<br><br>- <a href="https://twitter.com/Eminem?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Eminem</a> <br> - JAMEIS WINSTON<a href="https://twitter.com/Browns?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Browns</a> QB ELECTRIC in his postgame talk with <a href="https://twitter.com/Amanda_Balionis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Amanda_Balionis</a> <a href="https://t.co/LC9hH7rCip">pic.twitter.com/LC9hH7rCip</a>

Winston, 30, signed a one-year contract with Cleveland as a free agent in March. He was expected to serve as a depth option behind Deshaun Watson and was eventually listed as the Browns' No. 3 quarterback behind Dorian Thompson-Robinson.

Watson suffered a season-ending ruptured Achilles during Cleveland's 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7, while Thompson-Robinson also exited the game due to a finger injury.

This led to Winston earning the starting role against Baltimore, and he exceeded expectations.

As for Tillman, he's already recorded 189 yards this season following his breakout performance on Sunday after racking up just 224 yards in 14 games during his 2023 campaign.

Both players will look to continue building momentum as the Browns host the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 9.