Winston Justice
 Justice in the 2013 NFL season. | |||||||
| Personal information | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Born: | September 14, 1984 Long Beach, California | ||||||
| Career information | |||||||
| College: | Southern California | ||||||
| Position: | Offensive tackle | ||||||
| NFL draft: | 2006 / round: 2 / pick: 39 | ||||||
| Career history | |||||||
| * Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |||||||
| Career highlights and awards | |||||||
| Career NFL statistics as of Week 17, 2013 | |||||||
| |||||||
Winston Frederick Justice (born September 14, 1984) is an American football offensive tackle who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second round (39th overall pick) of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at USC.
Early years
Justice attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School in Long Beach, California.
College career
Justice played college football at the University of Southern California. He was regarded as one of the best tackles to come out of USC. Justice blocked for two Heisman Trophy winners and 1 former (quarterbacks Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart, and running back Reggie Bush).
Professional career
Philadelphia Eagles
Justice was selected in the second round with the 39th overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2006 NFL Draft. However, the Eagles did consider using their first round draft pick on him. Many considered him a first round pick because of his athleticism and other abilities, but his character concerns scared teams away from him.
His first NFL start came against the New York Giants on September 30, 2007. In the Eagles' 16-3 loss, Justice allowed four sacks. Justice was outmatched by defensive end Osi Umenyiora of the Giants in his first appearance in the NFL. In May 2008, former Eagles star Hugh Douglas had commented on Justice by saying, "if they don't bite when they're a puppy they won't bite when they're a grown dog. To me he's not even a football player."
However, Umenyiora himself was quoted in the Philadelphia Daily News saying "(Justice) is a good offensive tackle, man. He’s not a bad football player. I hate the fact that when people mention his name right now, they just associate him with having given up those sacks." Justice made his second career start against the Carolina Panthers on September 13, 2009 and played well against star defensive end Julius Peppers.
After starting right tackle Shawn Andrews was placed on injured reserve due to a back injury on September 15, 2009, Justice became the full-time starter at the position. Justice started all sixteen games in 2009.
On November 24, 2009, Justice was given a four-year contract extension, which put him under contract until the end of the 2013 season.[1]
Justice was placed on the active/physically unable to perform list on July 28, 2011, due to a knee injury.[2] He was activated on September 3.
Indianapolis Colts
Justice was traded to the Indianapolis Colts on March 14, 2012, along with the Eagles' sixth round pick in 2012 for the Colts' sixth round pick in 2012.[3]
Denver Broncos
On September 18, 2013 the Denver Broncos signed Justice after starting left offensive tackle Ryan Clady suffered a season-ending foot sprain. The Broncos released Justice on August 24, 2014.[4]
Personal life
Justice is a Christian. Justice has spoken about his faith saying, "I work to glorify God. ... I think my goal is to be a great offensive tackle. But, my major goal is to glorify God. I want people to see Christ in me, when I play. Not being fearful, to giving his all on every play."[5]
References
- ^ Wulf, Bo (November 24, 2009). "Eagles Sign Justice To Long-Term Extension". PhiladelphiaEagles.com. Retrieved 2009-11-24.
- ^ McPherson, Chris (July 28, 2011). "Graham, Justice Placed On PUP". philadelphiaeagles.com. Retrieved 2011-07-28.
- ^ "Source: Colts, Cory Redding agree". ESPN.com. March 14, 2012. Retrieved 2012-03-14.
- ^ Broncos make first round of roster moves
- ^ "Feature Story — Winston Justice: Rescued From Justice".