Antoine Winfield Sr.

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

Antoine Winfield

Winfield with the Vikings in 2012
No. 26
Position:	Cornerback
Personal information
Born:	(1977-06-24) June 24, 1977 (age 46) 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
Buffalo Bills (1999–2003) Minnesota Vikings (2004–2012) Seattle Seahawks (2013)*
* Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
Second-team All-Pro (2008) 3× Pro Bowl (2008–2010) 50 Greatest Vikings Jim Thorpe Award (1998) Jack Tatum Trophy (1998) Unanimous All-American (1998) First-team All-American (1997) 2× First-team All-Big Ten (1997, 1998)
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles: 1,094 Sacks: 7.5 Forced fumbles: 14 Fumble recoveries: 11 Pass deflections: 117 Interceptions: 27 Defensive touchdowns: 5
Player stats at PFR

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.

Early years

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

College career

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2013

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

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

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

NFL career statistics

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	40	38	2	0.0	0	0	0	2	13	7	10	0	6
2000	BUF	11	42	34	8	0.0	0	0	0	1	8	8	8	0	7
2001	BUF	16	80	68	12	0.0	1	1	0	2	0	0	0	0	11
2002	BUF	13	56	51	5	0.0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	7
2003	BUF	16	107	92	15	1.0	2	0	0	1	11	11	11	0	12
2004	MIN	14	85	70	15	0.0	2	1	0	3	89	30	56	0	8
2005	MIN	16	98	89	9	0.0	0	2	0	4	5	1	4	0	8
2006	MIN	16	97	83	14	0.0	0	1	0	4	33	8	26	1	14
2007	MIN	10	67	58	9	0.0	1	1	0	1	14	14	14	1	9
2008	MIN	16	95	81	14	2.0	4	2	0	2	5	3	4	0	11
2009	MIN	10	55	53	2	1.0	1	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	5
2010	MIN	16	91	73	18	2.0	2	1	45	2	41	21	41	0	5
2011	MIN	5	40	34	6	1.0	1	0	0	1	3	3	3	0	1
2012	MIN	16	101	72	29	0.5	0	1	0	3	37	12	31	0	12
Career [42]		191	1,054	896	158	7.5	14	11	0	27	259	10	56	2	116

Records and notable statistics

NFL

Accomplishment	Record	Refs
Regular season
2nd most tackles by a Defensive Back [lower-alpha 1]	684 (2000s)	[43]
12th most tackles [lower-alpha 1]	684 (2000s)	[43]
1 of 4 players to record [lower-alpha 2]	600+ Tkl, 65+ PD, 15+ Int, 10+ FF(2000s)	[43]

1. 2nd to Ronde Barber during the same time period
2. Honored shared with Ronde Barber, Ray Lewis,and Keith Bulluck.

Personal life

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

References

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24. Banks, Dow (March 5, 2004). "Change in plans". SI.com. Retrieved September 11, 2012.
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30. "Football". products.kitsapsun.com. December 24, 2004. Retrieved December 1, 2018.
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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.
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
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43. "Play Index Tools". pro-football-reference.com. Sports Reference LLC.
44. "Antoine Winfield Jr rejoicing with dad after Super Bowl 55 is what football's all about (Video)". FanSided. February 13, 2021. Retrieved June 14, 2022.