Wikipedia

Antoine Winfield Sr.

For his son and current NFL safety, see Antoine Winfield Jr.

Antoine Duane Winfield Sr. (born June 24, 1977) is an American former football cornerback who played for 14 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes, earning consensus All-American honors and winning the Jim Thorpe Award. He was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 1999 NFL draft and played five seasons for the Bills and nine seasons for the Minnesota Vikings. He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection as a member of the Vikings.

Antoine Winfield
refer to caption
Winfield with the Vikings in 2012
No. 26
Position:Cornerback
Personal information
Born: (1977-06-24) June 24, 1977 (age 47)
Akron, Ohio, U.S.
Height:5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Weight:180 lb (82 kg)
Career information
High school:Garfield
(Akron, Ohio)
College:Ohio State (1995–1998)
NFL draft:1999 / round: 1 / pick: 23
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles:1,094
Sacks:7.5
Forced fumbles:14
Fumble recoveries:11
Pass deflections:117
Interceptions:27
Defensive touchdowns:5
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Early life

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Winfield was born in Akron, Ohio. He attended Garfield High School in his hometown of Akron.

College career

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Winfield received an athletic scholarship to attend Ohio State University, where he played for the Ohio State Buckeyes football team from 1995 to 1998. As a senior in 1998, he was a consensus first-team All-American, and won the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back.

Professional career

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Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump
5 ft 8+5⁄8 in
(1.74 m) 		176 lb
(80 kg) 		29+3⁄4 in
(0.76 m) 		8+1⁄2 in
(0.22 m)		 4.41 s 1.53 s 2.57 s 3.95 s 6.84 s 37.0 in
(0.94 m)		 10 ft 2 in
(3.10 m)
All values from NFL Combine[1][2]

Buffalo Bills

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The Buffalo Bills selected Winfield in the first round (23rd overall pick) of the 1999 NFL Draft, and he played for the Bills from 1999 to 2003.[3]

1999

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On July 30, 1999, the Buffalo Bills signed Winfield to a five-year, $7.98 million contract.[4] Head coach Wade Phillips named Winfield the third cornerback in the depth chart to begin the regular season, behind veterans Thomas Smith and Ken Irvin.[5]

Winfield made his professional regular season debut in the Buffalo Bills’ season-opener at the Indianapolis Colts and recorded three combined tackles and made his first career interception during their 31–14 loss. Winfield made his first career interception off a pass attempt by Colts’ quarterback Peyton Manning, that was originally intended for the wide receiver Jerome Pathon, and returned it for a three-yard gain in the fourth quarter.[6][7] On December 26, 1999, Winfield earned his first career start in place of Ken Irvin who was placed on injured reserve due to a foot injury he sustained the previous week.[8][9] He finished his first career start with one tackle during their 13–10 victory at the New England Patriots in a Week 16. In Week 17, Winfield collected a season-high 11 combined tackles as the Bills defeated the Indianapolis Colts 31–6.[10] He finished his rookie season in 1999 with 40 combined tackles and two interceptions in 16 games and two starts.[11]

The Buffalo Bills finished second in the AFC East with an 11–5 record and earned a wildcard berth. On January 8, 2000, Winfield started in his first career playoff game and recorded three combined tackles and intercepted a pass by Titans’ quarterback Steve McNair during their 22–16 loss at the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Wildcard Game.[12]

2000

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Winfield entered training camp slated as a starting cornerback after Thomas Smith departed during free agency and signed with the Chicago Bears. Head coach Wade Phillips named Winfield and Ken Irvin the starting cornerbacks to begin the regular season. In Week 9, Winfield collected a season-high nine combined tackles during a 23–20 victory against the New York Jets. On November 5, 2000, Winfield sustained a shoulder injury during a 16–13 win at the New England Patriots. On November 19, 2000, Winfield further aggravated his shoulder injury during a 21–17 victory at the Kansas City Chiefs. On November 24, 2000, the Buffalo Bills placed Winfield on injured reserve after it was discovered he had a torn labrum cartilage in his right shoulder that would require surgery.[13][14]

2001

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On January 8, 2001, the Buffalo Bills fired head coach Wade Phillips after they finished with an 8–8 record in 2000.[15] Head coach Gregg Williams retained Winfield and Ken Irvin as the starting cornerbacks to begin the regular season. On September 23, 2001, Winfield recorded three combined tackles, a pass deflection, forced a fumble, and intercepted a pass by Colts’ quarterback Peyton Manning during a 42–26 loss at the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2. In Week 14, he collected a season-high eight solo tackles as the Bills loss 12–9 to the New England Patriots.[16] He started in all 16 games in 2001 and recorded 80 combined tackles (68 solo), nine pass deflections, and two interceptions.[17]

2002

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Winfield returned as a starting cornerback in 2002. He started alongside his former Ohio State teammate Nate Clements.[18] In Week 3, Winfield collected a season-high nine combined tackles during a 28–23 loss at the Denver Broncos in Week 3. Winfield missed three games (Weeks 7–9) due to a knee injury. On October 18, 2002, Winfield underwent arthroscopic surgery on his knee.[19] He finished the season with 56 combined tackles (51 solo) and seven pass deflections in 13 games and 13 starts.[17]

2003

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Defensive coordinator Jerry Gray retained Winfield and Nate Clements the starting cornerback duo in 2003.[20] On October 5, 2003, Winfield collected a season-high 12 combined tackles (11 solo) as the Bills defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 22–16.[21] On November 23, 2003, Winfield recorded ten combined tackles (seven solo) and made his first career sack during a 17–14 loss against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12. Winfield sacked Colts’ quarterback Peyton Manning for a six-yard loss during the first quarter.[22] Winfield started in all 16 games in 2003 and recorded a career-high 107 combined tackles (92 solo), 11 pass deflections, two forced fumbles, one sack, and an interception.[17]

2004

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Winfield became an unrestricted free agent in 2004 and was considered by many analysts to be the top free agent cornerback on the market. He was heavily pursued by multiple teams, including the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, Houston Texans, and Minnesota Vikings. On March 4, 2004, it was reported that the New York Jets and Winfield has agreed, in principle, to a six-year, $30 million contract with $10 million guaranteed. Winfield attended a visit with the Minnesota Vikings and officially signed with them the following day.[23]

Minnesota Vikings

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Winfield in 2010

On March 5, 2004, the Minnesota Vikings signed Winfield to a six-year, $34.8 million contract that includes a signing bonus of $10.8 million.[24][25][26] Head coach Mike Tice named Winfield and Brian Williams the starting cornerbacks to start the regular season.[27]

On October 17, 2004, Winfield recorded seven combined tackles, deflected a pass, and made his first interception as a member of the Vikings during a 38–31 win at the New Orleans Saints. Winfield intercepted a pass by Saints’ quarterback Aaron Brooks, that was intended for wide receiver Ernie Conwell, and returned it for a 56-yard gain during the first quarter.[28] The following week, Winfield made eight solo tackles, two pass deflections, and intercepted a pass attempt by Titans’ quarterback Billy Volek during a 20–3 victory against the Tennessee Titans in Week 7.[29] In Week 9, he collected a season-high 13 combined tackles (ten solo) and broke up two passes during a 31–28 loss at the Indianapolis Colts. Winfield was inactive for two games (Weeks 14–15) due to an ankle injury.[30] Winfield finished the 2004 NFL season with 85 combined tackles (70 solo), five passes defenses, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles in 14 games and 14 starts.[17]

2005

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Head coach Mike Tice named Winfield and newly acquired free agent Fred Smoot the starting cornerbacks to begin 2005. They started alongside safeties Corey Chavous and Darren Sharper.[31] On November 6, 2005, Winfield collected a season-high 14 combined tackles (11 solo), deflected two passes, and made an interception off Lions’ quarterback Joey Harrington during a 27–14 win against the Detroit Lions in Week 9.[32] In Week 12, Winfield made nine combined tackles, a season-high three pass deflections, and intercepted a pass by Trent Dilfer as the Vikings defeated the Cleveland Browns 24–12.[33]

2006–2008

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In the Vikings' 30–27 win over the New Orleans Saints on Week 5 (October 6) of 2008, a Monday Night Football game, Winfield returned a blocked field goal attempt by Martin Gramatica 59 yards for a touchdown.[34] Additionally, Winfield had 8 tackles and one deflected pass that game.[35] Winfield finished 2008 with 95 total tackles, 2 sacks, 5 passes defended, and one interception.[36] He made his first Pro Bowl in 2008.

2009

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On July 23, 2009, the Vikings signed Winfield to a new five-year, $36 million contract. The deal includes $16.1 million in guarantees. He made his second straight Pro Bowl in 2010 after replacing injured Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. After making the 2010 Pro Bowl squad, he made an interception that led to a touchdown in an NFC 55–41 victory. He is regarded as one of the most physical corners in the league, known for his bone-jarring hits, and was ranked by Peter King of Sports Illustrated as the 31st best player in the NFL.[37]

2010–2012

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Winfield was the only player on the Vikings' active 2012 roster who played during the 1990s.[38]

2013

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Winfield was released by the Minnesota Vikings on March 12, 2013, in a move to clear $7.25 million in salary cap space.[39]

Seattle Seahawks

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Winfield signed with the Seattle Seahawks on April 17, 2013, to a one-year, $3 million contract. He was assigned number 21 due to starting fullback Michael Robinson having already been assigned 26 in 2010. He was released from the team during final cuts on August 31, 2013.[40]

Retirement

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On August 31, 2013, Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll announced on Twitter that Winfield was retiring.[41]

NFL career statistics

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Legend
Bold Career High
Regular season statistics
Year Team GP Tackles Fumbles Interceptions
Cmb Solo Ast Sck FF FR Yds Int Yds Avg Lng TD PD
1999 BUF 16 62 60 2 0.0 0 0 0 2 13 6.5 10 0 6
2000 BUF 11 49 41 8 0.0 0 0 0 1 8 8.0 8 0 7
2001 BUF 16 81 69 12 0.0 1 1 5 2 0 0.0 0 0 11
2002 BUF 13 56 51 5 0.0 0 1 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 7
2003 BUF 16 109 94 15 1.0 2 0 0 1 11 11.0 11 0 12
2004 MIN 14 88 72 16 0.0 2 1 0 3 89 29.7 56 0 8
2005 MIN 16 98 89 9 0.0 0 2 0 4 5 1.3 4 0 8
2006 MIN 16 98 84 14 0.0 0 1 0 4 33 8.3 26 1 14
2007 MIN 10 70 61 9 0.0 1 1 0 1 14 14.0 14 1 9
2008 MIN 16 96 82 14 2.0 4 2 28 2 5 2.5 4 0 11
2009 MIN 10 55 53 2 1.0 1 0 0 1 0 0.0 0 0 5
2010 MIN 16 91 73 18 2.0 2 1 45 2 41 20.5 41 0 5
2011 MIN 5 40 34 6 1.0 1 0 0 1 3 3.0 3 0 1
2012 MIN 16 101 72 29 0.5 0 1 0 3 37 12.3 31 0 13
Career[42] 191 1,094 935 159 7.5 14 11 78 27 259 10 56 2 117

Records and notable statistics

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NFL
Accomplishment Record Refs
Regular season
2nd most tackles by a Defensive Back[a] 684 (2000s) [43]
12th most tackles[a] 684 (2000s) [43]
1 of 4 players to record[b] 600+ Tkl, 65+ PD, 15+ Int, 10+ FF(2000s) [43]
  1. ^ a b 2nd to Ronde Barber during the same time period
  2. ^ Honored shared with Ronde Barber, Ray Lewis,and Keith Bulluck.

Personal life

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Winfield's son, Antoine Jr., is a defensive back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.[44]

References

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  1. ^ "Antoine Winfield, Combine Results, CB - Ohio State". nflcombineresults.com. Retrieved March 30, 2022.
  2. ^ "Antoine Winfield RAS". ras.football. December 20, 2019. Retrieved March 30, 2022.
  3. ^ "1999 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 28, 2023.
  4. ^ "Spotrac.com: Antoine Winfield contract". Spotrac.com. Retrieved November 29, 2018.
  5. ^ "1999 Buffalo Bills Starters, Roster, & Players". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved November 29, 2018.
  6. ^ "Buffalo Bills at Indianapolis Colts – September 12th, 1999". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved November 30, 2018.
  7. ^ "Antoine Winfield game logs, 1999". NFL. Retrieved September 11, 2012.
  8. ^ "Bills Daily 1999 News Archives". BillsDaily.com. Retrieved November 30, 2018.
  9. ^ Walsh, Chris (December 20, 1999). "Bills' best better than the Cardinals". Tucson Citizen. Archived from the original on October 10, 2014. Retrieved November 30, 2018.
  10. ^ "NFL Player stats: Antoine Winfield (1999)". NFL.com. Retrieved November 30, 2018.
  11. ^ "NFL #21 Antoine Winfield -ESPN (1999)". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 30, 2018.[permanent dead link‍]
  12. ^ "Wild Card – Buffalo Bills at Tennessee Titans – January 8th, 2000". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved November 30, 2018.
  13. ^ "N.F.L.: ROUNDUP; Bucs' Alstott Injured, Out for Season". New York Times. November 21, 2000. Retrieved November 30, 2018.
  14. ^ "NFL Injury Report". New Hampshire Register. November 24, 2000. Retrieved November 30, 2018.
  15. ^ "Bills fire Wade Phillips". UPI.com. January 8, 2001. Retrieved November 30, 2018.
  16. ^ "NFL Player stats: Antoine Winfield (2001)". NFL.com. Retrieved November 30, 2018.
  17. ^ a b c d "NFL Player stats: Antoine Winfield (career)". NFL.com. Retrieved November 30, 2018.
  18. ^ "2002 Buffalo Bills Starters, Roster, & Players". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved November 30, 2018.
  19. ^ "Bills Injuries take Toll". Orlando Sentinel. October 19, 2002. Retrieved November 30, 2018.
  20. ^ "2003 Buffalo Bills Starters, Roster, & Players". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  21. ^ "NFL Player stats: Antoine Winfield (2003)". NFL.com. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  22. ^ "Indianapolis Colts at Buffalo Bills – November 23rd, 2003". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  23. ^ "Winfield Jets Away". New York Daily News. March 4, 2004. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  24. ^ Banks, Dow (March 5, 2004). "Change in plans". SI.com. Archived from the original on April 19, 2004. Retrieved September 11, 2012.
  25. ^ "Vikings Sign Antoine Winfield". UI.com. March 4, 2004. Retrieved November 29, 2018.
  26. ^ "Vikes Work Cap Room With Winfield Deal". 247Sports.com. March 11, 2004. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  27. ^ "2004 Minnesota Vikings Starters, Roster, & Players". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  28. ^ "Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints – October 17th, 2004". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  29. ^ "Tennessee Titans at Minnesota Vikings – October 24th, 2004". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  30. ^ "Football". products.kitsapsun.com. December 24, 2004. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  31. ^ Campbell, Rich (September 7, 2005). "Vikings Believe the Smoke Has Finally Cleared". Washington Post. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  32. ^ "Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings – November 6th, 2005". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  33. ^ "Cleveland Browns at Minnesota Vikings – November 27th, 2005". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
  34. ^ Alonzo, Rick (October 7, 2008). "Winfield returns blocked field goal, forces fumble". St. Paul Pioneer-Press. Archived from the original on October 10, 2008.
  35. ^ "Antoine Winfield game logs, 2008". NFL. Retrieved September 11, 2012.
  36. ^ "Antoine Winfield". NFL. Retrieved September 11, 2012.
  37. ^ King, Peter (August 29, 2007). "My list of the NFL's 500 best players". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on October 13, 2007.
  38. ^ Sansevere, Bob (August 16, 2012). "Minnesota Vikings: Antoine Winfield, 35, all about experience, savvy ... and big hits". St. Paul Pioneer-Press. Archived from the original on August 18, 2012.
  39. ^ "Minnesota Vikings: Breaking News, Rumors & Highlights".
  40. ^ "Antoine Winfield brings his skills to Seahawks secondary". Archived from the original on April 19, 2013. Retrieved April 18, 2013.
  41. ^ Antoine Winfield retires from Seahawks Seahawks
  42. ^ "Antoine Winfield Stats". ESPN. ESPN Internet Ventures. Retrieved June 18, 2014.
  43. ^ a b c "Play Index Tools". pro-football-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC.
  44. ^ Rogust, Scott (February 14, 2021). "Antoine Winfield Jr rejoicing with dad after Super Bowl 55 is what football's all about (Video)". FanSided. Retrieved October 18, 2024.
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