Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston has a strong opinion about mashed potatoes, and it’s not a fan favorite. In an interview on the “BIG PLAY” podcast, Winston shared that he doesn’t like mashed potatoes and would rather have baked potatoes on Thanksgiving. But, this sentiment may not be as well-received by others, as mashed potatoes are often considered a staple of the holiday meal.
While Winston’s claim may seem unusual, there is some historical context to support it. According to accounts, mashed potatoes were not a dish at the first Thanksgiving at Plymout Rock, Massachusetts, in 1621. In fact, potatoes didn’t arrive in continental North America until European settlers brought them to Virginia in the same time period. However, by the 1860s, potatoes had become a common dish at Thanksgiving dinner tables.
Journalist Josepha Hale, known as the “Mother of Thanksgiving,” often wrote about mashed potatoes as a dish at the holiday table in her writings, which may have contributed to its widespread adoption in American households. A 2021 survey found that 77% of households include mashed potatoes on their Thanksgiving menu, with baked potatoes not even making the list.
Winston, who has made headlines for his love of fast food and a past shoplifting incident, revealed his top 10 favorite fast-food chains in a social media video last September, which interestingly excluded chains that serve mashed potatoes.
