Few names in recent Gopher football history carry as much weight as Antoine Winfield Jr. — and for good reason. The former Minnesota star, now a standout safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has firmly established himself as one of the NFL’s premier defensive backs. Just four seasons into his professional career, Winfield Jr. has become everything scouts hoped for and everything Gopher fans knew he would be: a smart, physical, relentless playmaker whose leadership and humility continue to reflect the Minnesota program in the best possible light. Gopher fans can see him next in a huge Monday Night game in vs Detroit, and those looking for NFL odds week 7 will find Tampa Bay as 5.5 point underdogs.
Winfield Jr.’s journey from Dinkytown to dominance in the NFL was hardly a surprise for those who watched him at the University of Minnesota. During his time with the Gophers (2016–2019), he earned unanimous All-American honors, was named Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year, and became a cornerstone of the defense that helped lead Minnesota to an 11-win season in 2019 — one of the best in school history. Despite battling injuries early in his college career, his perseverance and football IQ stood out, mirroring the traits that made his father, Antoine Winfield Sr., an NFL All-Pro cornerback.
Since being drafted by the Buccaneers in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Winfield Jr. has been a model of consistency and impact. He made an immediate mark as a rookie, helping Tampa Bay capture a Super Bowl title and earning a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team. His combination of physical toughness, elite instincts, and a knack for making clutch plays quickly earned him respect around the league. In 2023, he put together a career year — notching more than 120 tackles, six forced fumbles, and three interceptions — cementing his reputation as one of the league’s most complete safeties.
But beyond the stats, Winfield Jr. represents the best of what the Gophers program strives to produce: disciplined, high-character players who lead by example. He’s often spoken about the pride he takes in representing Minnesota and the lessons learned under P.J. Fleck’s “Row the Boat” culture. That work ethic and mentality have translated seamlessly to the professional stage, where he continues to be a team captain and a vocal leader in the Buccaneers’ locker room.
Antoine Winfield Jr. isn’t only living up to his family legacy; he’s carving out one of his own, and doing it as one of the greatest ambassadors the Gophers could ever ask for.