Antoine Winfield says he was the best tackler in Vikings history but son could be a better player

[BleedGopher]

per Chris:

When he played for the Vikings, Antoine Winfield Sr. was regarded as one of the NFL’s top tackling cornerbacks. But he takes it a step further than that.

“I was the best tackler period in the league,’’ said Winfield, who played for Minnesota from 2004-12. “No one could tackle like me in the open field. I put my numbers up against Ray Lewis, anybody.’’

Winfield lives in suburban Houston but has spent plenty of time this fall in the Twin Cities since his son, Antoine Winfield Jr., is a star safety for the University of Minnesota. But while the elder Winfield is not bashful about discussing his tackling ability, he said his son could end up becoming a better player than he was.

“Absolutely,’’ said Winfield Sr. “That was the goal. That’s why I taught him everything I can do and he plays exactly like I do, but has better hands, so of course he can be better than me.’’

Winfield has seen four Gophers home games this season, and will be on hand for Saturday’s finale against Wisconsin, which will decide the Big Ten West.

“I’m very excited,’’ he said of his son. “He’s doing his thing and it’s crazy. What he’s doing this year is, wow. His confidence level is through the roof. He’s making so many plays. I just love his approach every time the ball is in the air.”

Winfield Sr. was taken with the No. 23 pick by the Bills in the 1999 draft. He offered no predictions on where his son will be drafted, but pointed out how he has built up his body in the weight room.

“I keep seeing (NFL) teams talking about his size, but they did the same thing with me,’’ said Winfield Sr. “I was a great player, 5-9, 180. He’s 5-10, 205. I wish I had that body. … He lived in the weight room. He built that body up. The sky is the limit for him.”

Antoine Winfield says he was the best tackler in Vikings history but son could be a better player

When he played for the Vikings, Antoine Winfield Sr. was regarded as one of the NFL’s top tackling cornerbacks. But he takes it a step further than that. “I was the best tackler period in the leagu…

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Go Gophers!!

 

[PitinoFan]

I’m baffled by the lack of draft buzz for Winfield.

 

[Gold Rush]

Agreed on all accounts. Winfield was the best tackling CB I ever saw at any level, but his son Antoine has obviously learned from him. He tackles just like him - did you notice when he was 1 on 1 with the much larger Penn St. TE's and he just took them down low and flipped them - that is what I am talking about. I don't know if Antoine is quite as fast as his dad - that is a big reason he is playing safety, but he has more range and can cover half the field. He also has a knack for making big plays at the biggest time (Fresno St. twice and Penn St. for example.) The biggest stage has never been too big for him.

He will be a hell of a pro if he stays healthy. I hope the Vikings draft him so we can watch him for many years to come!

 

[Gold Rush]

I’m baffled by the lack of draft buzz for Winfield.

It will be there - let's see what type of post season awards he picks up. He still could come back for another college year (unlikely) I think as soon as he announces for the draft - that buzz will be there!

 

[PitinoFan]

His dad brings up size concerns. Well, he’s bigger, and probably faster than Tyrann Mathieu, and a hell of lot less of a risk. I think he could have a similar impact on the right team. If the Vikings could steal him in the 4th or 5th round, I could live with that.

 

[PMWinSTP]

His dad brings up size concerns. Well, he’s bigger, and probably faster than Tyrann Mathieu, and a hell of lot less of a risk. I think he could have a similar impact on the right team. If the Vikings could steal him in the 4th or 5th round, I could live with that.

No way his is still available those rounds. Vikes chance for him is with its late 2nd round pick.

 

[cncmin]

I didn’t realize Sr. lives in Texas. I figured if Jr. and his brother were playing for the Gophers that he had to be living in the TC area. As for Sr., he was absolutely amazing, easily one of my favorite Vikings players. Wasn’t Winfield going through some moderate injury in that 2009 Saints game?

Who would replace Jr. next year? How is his little brother looking as a redshirt in practice?

 

[DEGopher]

So, how much resentment do you think he has for OhSt for not offering his son?

How much would he love to see his son secure a Gopher B1G Championship in a game winning interception against his almamatter?

 

[GringaGopher]

Agreed on all accounts. Winfield was the best tackling CB I ever saw at any level, but his son Antoine has obviously learned from him. He tackles just like him - did you notice when he was 1 on 1 with the much larger Penn St. TE's and he just took them down low and flipped them - that is what I am talking about. I don't know if Antoine is quite as fast as his dad - that is a big reason he is playing safety, but he has more range and can cover half the field. He also has a knack for making big plays at the biggest time (Fresno St. twice and Penn St. for example.) The biggest stage has never been too big for him.

He will be a hell of a pro if he stays healthy. I hope the Vikings draft him so we can watch him for many years to come!

Agree and only hope we are lucky to see him in purple !

 

[MNVCGUY]

I didn’t realize Sr. lives in Texas. I figured if Jr. and his brother were playing for the Gophers that he had to be living in the TC area. As for Sr., he was absolutely amazing, easily one of my favorite Vikings players. Wasn’t Winfield going through some moderate injury in that 2009 Saints game?

Who would replace Jr. next year? How is his little brother looking as a redshirt in practice?

Doubt people will have much of a read on the younger Winfield at this point.

As for a replacement, Nubin would seem like a good bet to get into the mix at Safety. Tough to say who would end up replacing him but we have some options back there and a lot of young guys we haven't seen yet.

Safe to say that if Winfield does go pro we won't be able to fully replace him but hopefully someone will be ready to step up and try and fill his shoes.