Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston recently sparked a debate about a Thanksgiving classic: mashed potatoes. In an interview on the "BIG PLAY" podcast, Winston expressed his dislike for the dish, going so far as to say it shouldn't even be on the Thanksgiving table.

"Please don't bring mashed potatoes to Thanksgiving," Winston pleaded, rejecting the idea that they're a holiday staple. "It's just mashed potatoes. It's not a Thanksgiving meal… I'd rather have a baked potato."

While many might disagree with Winston, there's a historical basis for his argument. Mashed potatoes weren't served at the first Thanksgiving in 1621. In fact, potatoes hadn't even reached North America at that point. They originated in South America and were brought over by European settlers much later.

Mashed potatoes and gravy (iStock)

However, mashed potatoes became a Thanksgiving mainstay in the 1860s, thanks in part to Josepha Hale, a prominent journalist and author often called the "Mother of Thanksgiving." Hale advocated for Thanksgiving to become a national holiday and frequently mentioned mashed potatoes in her descriptions of Thanksgiving dinners.

Despite their later addition, mashed potatoes are now a Thanksgiving favorite. A 2021 IPSOS survey revealed that they're the most popular side dish, gracing 77% of Thanksgiving tables. Winston's preferred baked potato didn't even make the list.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston is tackled by Saints defensive end Chase Young and defensive tackle Bryan Bresee in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

This isn't the first time Winston's food preferences have made headlines. In September, he shared his top 10 fast-food restaurants on social media, notably omitting chains known for their mashed potatoes like KFC and Popeyes. He also faced scrutiny during his college years at Florida State University for an incident involving allegedly unpaid seafood.

Browns quarterback Jameis Winston passes against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

While Winston's stance on mashed potatoes might be controversial, it's certainly sparked a conversation about this Thanksgiving tradition.