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Antoine Winfield
File:Antoine Winfield covering Calvin Johnson at Ford Field on September 30, 2012.jpg
Winfield with the Vikings in 2012
No. 26     
Cornerback
Personal information
Date of birth: (1977-06-24) June 24, 1977 (age 47)
Place of birth: Akron, Ohio
Career information
College: Ohio State
NFL Draft: 1999 / Round: 1 / Pick: 23
No regular season or postseason appearances
Career history
* Buffalo Bills ( 1999 2003)
Career highlights and awards
* 3× Pro Bowl (20082010)
Total tackles     1,054
Sacks     7.5
Forced fumbles     14
Fumble recoveries     11
Interceptions     27
Defensive touchdowns     5
Stats at NFL.com
Stats at pro-football-reference.com

Antoine Duane Winfield (born June 24, 1977) is a former American football cornerback who played 14 years in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for Ohio State University, earning consensus All-American honors and winning the Jim Thorpe Award. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He 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 measureables
Ht Wt 40-yd dash 10-yd split 20-yd split 20-ss 3-cone Vert Broad BP Wonderlic
5 ft 8 in 176 lb 4.41 s 1.53 s 2.57 s 3.95 s 6.84 s 37 in 10 ft 2 in

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.

1999[]

On July 30, 1999, the Buffalo signed Winfield to a five-year, $7.98 million contract.[1] 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.[2]

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.[3][4] 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.[5][6] 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.[7] He finished his rookie season in 1999 with 40 combined tackles and two interceptions in 16 games and two starts.[8]

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.[9]

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 places Winfield on injured reserve after it was discovered he had a torn labrum cartilage in his right shoulder that would require surgery.[10][11]

2001[]

On January 8, 2001, the Buffalo Bills fired head coach Wade Phillips after they finished with an 8–8 record in 2000.[12] 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.[13] He started in all 16 games in 2001 and recorded 80 combined tackles (68 solo), nine pass deflections, and two interceptions.[14]

2002[]

Winfield returned as a starting cornerback in 2002. He started alongside his former Ohio State teammate Nate Clements.[15] In Week 3, Winfield collected a season-high none 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.[16] He finished the season with 56 combined tackles (51 solo) and seven pass deflections in 13 games and 13 starts.[14]

2003[]

Defensive coordinator Jerry Gray retained Winfield and Nate Clements the starting cornerback duo in 2003.[17] On October 5, 2003, Winfield collected a season-high 12 combined tackles (11 solo) as the Bills defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 22–16.[18] 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.[19] 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.[14]

2004[]

Winfield became an unrestricted free agent in 2004 and was considered by many analysts to 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.[20]

Minnesota Vikings[]

File:Antoine Winfield 2010.jpg

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.[21][22][23] Head coach Mike Tice named Winfield and Brian Williams the starting cornerbacks to start the regular season.[24]

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.[25] 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.[26] 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.[27] 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.[14]

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.[28] 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.[29] 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.[30]

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.[31] Additionally, Winfield had 8 tackles and one deflected pass that game.[32] Winfield finished 2008 with 95 total tackles, 2 sacks, 5 passes defended, and one interception.[33] 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.[34]

2010-2012[]

Winfield was the only player on the Vikings' active 2012 roster who played during the 1990s.[35]

2013[]

Winfield was released by the Minnesota Vikings on March 12, 2013 in a move to clear $7.25 million in salary cap space.[36]

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.[37]

Retirement[]

Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll announced on Twitter on August 31, 2013 Winfield was retiring.[38]

NFL statistics[]

HYear Team Games Combined Tackles Tackles Assisted Tackles Sacks Forced Fumbles Fumble Recoveries Fumble Return Yards Interceptions Interception Return Yards Yards per Interception Return Longest Interception Return Interceptions Returned for Touchdown Passes Defended
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 191 1,054 896 158 7.5 14 11 0 27 259 10 56 2 116

[39]

Records and notable statistics[]

NFL
Accomplishment Record Refs
Regular season
2nd most tackles by a Defensive Back[lower-alpha 1] 684 (2000s) [40]
12th most tackles[lower-alpha 1] 684 (2000s) [40]
1 of 4 players to record[lower-alpha 2] 600+ Tkl, 65+ PD, 15+ Int, 10+ FF(2000s) [40]
  1. "Spotrac.com: Antoine Winfield contract". https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/seattle-seahawks/antoine-winfield-4790/.
  2. "1999 Buffalo Bills Starters, Roster, & Players". https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/buf/1999_roster.htm.
  3. "Buffalo Bills at Indianapolis Colts - September 12th, 1999". https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/199909120clt.htm.
  4. "Antoine Winfield game logs, 1999". NFL. http://www.nfl.com/player/antoinewinfield/2503765/gamelogs?season=1999. Retrieved September 11, 2012.
  5. "Bills Daily 1999 News Archives". http://www.billsdaily.com/weekinreview/1999/dec4.html.
  6. Walsh, Chris (December 20, 1999). "Bills’ best better than the Cardinals". http://tucsoncitizen.com/morgue2/1999/12/20/170480-bills-best-better-than-the-cardinals/.
  7. "NFL Player stats: Antoine Winfield (1999)". http://www.nfl.com/player/antoinewinfield/2503765/gamelogs?season=1999.
  8. "NFL #21 Antoine Winfield -ESPN (1999)". http://espn.com/nfl/playergamelog?playerId=1775&season=1999&lang=EN.
  9. "Wild Card - Buffalo Bills at Tennessee Titans - January 8th, 2000". https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200001080oti.htm.
  10. "N.F.L.: ROUNDUP; Bucs' Alstott Injured, Out for Season". November 21, 2000. https://www.nytimes.com/2000/11/21/sports/nfl-roundup-bucs-alstott-injured-out-for-season.html.
  11. "NFL Injury Report". November 24, 2000. https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/NFL-injury-report-11697642.php.
  12. "Bills fire Wade Phillips". January 8, 2001. https://www.upi.com/Archives/2001/01/08/Bills-fire-Wade-Phillips/8621978930000/.
  13. "NFL Player stats: Antoine Winfield (2001)". http://www.nfl.com/player/antoinewinfield/2503765/gamelogs?season=2001.
  14. 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 "NFL Player stats: Antoine Winfield (career)". http://www.nfl.com/player/antoinewinfield/2503765/careerstats.
  15. "2002 Buffalo Bills Starters, Roster, & Players". https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/buf/2002_roster.htm.
  16. "Bills Injuries take Toll". October 19, 2002. https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-2002-10-19-0210190385-story.html.
  17. "2003 Buffalo Bills Starters, Roster, & Players". https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/buf/2003_roster.htm.
  18. "NFL Player stats: Antoine Winfield (2003)". http://www.nfl.com/player/antoinewinfield/2503765/gamelogs?season=2003.
  19. "Indianapolis Colts at Buffalo Bills - November 23rd, 2003". https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200311230buf.htm.
  20. "Winfield Jets Away". March 4, 2004. https://www.nydailynews.com/archives/sports/winfield-jets-article-1.569564.
  21. Banks, Dow (March 5, 2004). "Change in plans". SI.com. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/football/nfl/03/05/vikings.winfield/index.html. Retrieved September 11, 2012.
  22. "Vikings Sign Antoine Winfield". March 4, 2004. https://www.upi.com/Vikings-sign-Antoine-Winfield/93841078537487/.
  23. "Vikes Work Cap Room With Winfield Deal". March 11, 2004. https://247sports.com/nfl/minnesota-vikings/Article/Vikes-Work-Cap-Room-With-Winfield-Deal-104076504/.
  24. "2004 Minnesota Vikings Starters, Roster, & Players". https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/min/2004_roster.htm.
  25. "Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints - October 17th, 2004". https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200410170nor.htm.
  26. "Tennessee Titans at Minnesota Vikings - October 24th, 2004". https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200410240min.htm.
  27. "Football". December 24, 2004. https://products.kitsapsun.com/archive/2004/12-24/24277_football.html.
  28. Campbell, Rich (September 7, 2005). "Vikings Believe the Smoke Has Finally Cleared". https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/09/05/AR2005090501088.html.
  29. "Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings - November 6th, 2005". https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200511060min.htm.
  30. "Cleveland Browns at Minnesota Vikings - November 27th, 2005". https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/200511270min.htm.
  31. Alonzo, Rick (October 7, 2008). "Winfield returns blocked field goal, forces fumble". St. Paul Pioneer-Press. Archived from the original on October 10, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20081010100633/http://www.twincities.com/vikings/ci_10656186.
  32. "Antoine Winfield game logs, 2008". NFL. http://www.nfl.com/player/antoinewinfield/2503765/gamelogs?season=2008. Retrieved September 11, 2012.
  33. "Antoine Winfield". NFL. http://www.nfl.com/player/antoinewinfield/2503765/profile. Retrieved September 11, 2012.
  34. King, Peter (August 29, 2007). "My list of the NFL's 500 best players". Sports Illustrated. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/peter_king/08/28/1to100/.
  35. 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. http://www.twincities.com/vikings/ci_21329540/minnesota-vikings-antoine-winfield-35-all-about-experience.
  36. http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_vikings_release_cb_antoine_winfield/13121476
  37. Antoine Winfield brings his skills to Seahawks secondary
  38. Antoine Winfield retires from Seahawks Seahawks
  39. "Antoine Winfield Stats". ESPN Internet Ventures. http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/1775/antoine-winfield. Retrieved June 18, 2014.
  40. 40.0 40.1 40.2 "Play Index Tools". Sports Reference LLC. http://pfref.com/tiny/7nnKK.

Personal life[]

His son, Antoine Winfield Jr., is a defensive back for the University of Minnesota. He was named to the ESPN true freshman All-American team in 2016.[1][2]

References[]

Template:Bills1999DraftPicks


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