After a failed training camp with the Seattle Seahawks, Winfield Sr retired. At some point during that rollercoaster 2013, Winfield Sr abruptly moved his family out of the southwest Twin Cities suburbs, where his son, Antoine Winfield Jr, had been raised.

March 2013: Antoine Winfield Sr packs up family (Jr included) and leaves Minnesota

Suddenly, instead of going to two-a-day practices at Eden Prairie with his buddies, Carter Coughlin and JD Spielman, he found himself 20 hours directly south, in the north suburbs of Houston, TX.

That’s why Winfield Jr’s 247Sports high school recruiting profile says he’s from The Woodlands, TX. Of course, that same profile pegged the 5’10” 196 pound former Minnesotan as an underwhelming and undersized 3-star (82 overall) defensive back.

As we all know now, Winfield Jr chose to come back home, as mostly an afterthought member of the historic 2016 Minnesota Gophers recruiting class, under Kill and Claeys, which included some of the most talented modern-day football players to ever come out of the state.

Names that are now well known among Gopher fans as the leaders of a historic 2019 team that finished 11-2 and won the Outback Bowl over Auburn. Guys like Winfield Jr’s buddy, Carter Coughlin (EP). But don’t forget about Tyler Johnson (North), Kamal Martin (Burnsville), Sam Schlueter (Mayer), Connor Olsen (Monticello), Thomas Barber and Phillip Howard, who both attended Robbinsdale Cooper.

I shake my head at all of the plays #Gophers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. made last year. He changed the entire defense. While working on another project, I pulled out clips.

He is a fearless tackler, ball hawk and versatile weapon. These skills will be a huge asset in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/qPjV6xuGgV

— Daniel House (@DanielHouseMN) March 17, 2020

Because of his abrupt exit from town in 2013, Winfield Jr is not listed as one of those in-state gets. What most don’t know, however, is that his dad’s hasty and bitter divorce with the Minnesota Vikings organization that year may have also been the reason why GM Rick Spielman didn’t target Junior in the 2020 NFL Draft.

That time Rick Spielman and the Minnesota Vikings passed on Antoine Winfield Jr

We’ve covered this “mistake”, at length. Both back then, and many times since. Rick Spielman & Co nailed their first pick that April, taking LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson at No 22 overall. But after Philly dropped JJ in Rick’s lap, the then Vikings President of Football Operations proceeded to select CB Jeff Gladney at No. 31, OL Ezra Cleveland at No. 58 (2nd Rd) and CB Cam Dantzler at No. 89 (3rd Rd).

You might notice that two of those names are defensive backs. Many might also know that neither are playing in the NFL anymore (RIP Jeff Gladney). Meanwhile, Antoine Winfield Jr, who was picked 45th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has blossomed into a 26-year-old All-Pro and Super Bowl champion.

Related: Winfield Jr Says Vikings Didn’t Have Much Interest in Drafting Him

This week, Winfield Jr was ranked the 46th best player in the NFL, by a jury of his peers. The former Gopher is widely viewed as one of the brightest up and coming safeties in the entire league. And for good reason.

So, if Winfield Jr’s talent and fit with the Vikings was so obvious to us back then, and even more so in hindsight, why didn’t a big shot NFL executive like Rick Spielman see the same thing? Remember, Rick’s adopted son, JD Spielman, grew up with Winfield Jr and Carter Coughlin. I saw Rick in the Huntington Bank Stadium press box nearly every home game during the 2019 season. What did he not see?

Antoine Winfield Sr blocked Vikings from drafting Jr.?

Well, turns out Rick probably saw exactly what we all did and knew exactly what we all knew. That Antoine Winfield Jr was going to be a star. So, why did he pass on the semi-local kid and legacy Viking?

According to the Star Tribune’s Ben Goessling (Star Tribune) and Andrew Krammer, via their most recent “Access Vikings” podcast episode, Spielman may have been forced to pass on Winfield Jr. By who? His dad, due to Winfield Sr’s lingering bitterness with the Vikings organization, over that 2013 roster cut. In Sr’s defense, it did cost him millions of dollars and his job in the NFL. Take a listen to this exchange… (around the 37-minute mark – transcribed below)

Goessling: “[In 2013], Leslie Frazier was pounding the table to bring back Antoine Winfield. [The Vikings] did not do it. They came very close….”

Krammer: “Antoine Winfield Sr, by the way.”

Goessling: “Antoine Winfield Sr, yes. Correct. Antoine Winfield Sr, who had been cut in that camp… and I think that’s probably part of the reason that Jr didn’t end up getting drafted here.”

Krammer: “Yes, which is too bad because he is terrific.”

Goessling: “There was still a lot of bitter feelings. I don’t think we’ve seen Sr. back for much since then. Because he was working out in the building when they told him they cut him, he was coming off a great 2012. They moved on to a cornerback group that I think was Chris Cook, Josh Robinson, AJ Jefferson, before he got arrested later that year.

And a miscast Xavier Rhodes as a rookie, as a cover two corner. They did not have him playing man coverage. There was no roads closed, at that point. It was him playing cover two, as a rookie, under Leslie Frazier. And, I think Harrison Smith also got hurt that season.”

Access Vikings Podcast

A front office decision that will live in infamy…

The Minnesota Vikings’ decision to move on from Winfield Sr in during the 2013 offseason makes no sense, in retrospect. He was coming off of arguably his best season, in 2012. At 35 y/o, Winfield totaled 101 tackles, 8 TFL, 0.5 sacks, 12 passes defended, 3 interceptions and a fumble recovery. He was the glue of the team’s defense.

Vikings Player of the Day # 17:

Antoine Winfield

Seasons played for the Vikings: 2004-2012

Career stats: 191 games, 27 interceptions, 14 forced fumbles, 4 touchdowns

3 time Pro Bowler and selected as one of the 50 Greatest Vikings https://t.co/PmZ4E2zSqQ pic.twitter.com/i5DmkIlpYi

— Jason (@_jason_777) June 12, 2024

According to Goessling’s account of those 2013 events, the Minnesota Vikings nearly rectified their mistake later that fall. The front office, led by an up and coming Rick Spielman, was on the verge of bringing Winfield Sr back. This was prior to their game in London, on September 29.

Related: Antoine Winfield Jr’s Pro Bowl Snub is NOT Sitting Well with Dad

But when they won that game overseas, Spielman & Co opted against bringing Winfield Sr back. It was an executive level failure they would regret nearly immediately, and even more weeks later.

That decision tanked any last hope of a successful 2013 campaign. It also allowed financial flexibility for one of the worst signings in franchise history. The signing of QB Josh Freeman, which ultimately led to Frazier’s firing that same season.

“It was not a good group [of cornerbacks]. The gamble was that Josh Robinson could come in and replace Antoine Winfield, in the slot, which blew up spectacularly in their faces. They were talking about bringing Winfield back, I think in time for that London game, which they won. They then did not bring him back. They gave that money to Josh Freeman, and that was indeed that, for Leslie Frazier.”

Ben Goessling – Access Vikings Podcast

Now we know the real reason why Antoine Winfield Jr isn’t in purple

Without Antoine Winfield Jr, the Gophers’ memorable 11-2 season in 2019 never happens. Hell, the PJ Fleck turnaround in 2018 may never have happened, which would have meant a much different reality in Dinkytown today, than what currently exists.

Happy Birthday to #Gophers legend Antoine Winfield Jr. (@AntoineWJr11) !!

Who remembers his game winning interception in OT at Fresno State?!

pic.twitter.com/RWvUuQOwAZ

— GopherHole.com (@GopherHole) August 16, 2023

And he almost left town pissed off, just like his dad, when PJ Fleck took over in 2017. Thank goodness, Fleck talked Winfield Jr and his dad into staying at Minnesota, even amid the change in guard. That wasn’t a guarantee, especially being that Jr had recently been implicated (and cleared) in a 2016 sexual assault scandal that rocked the football program prior to PJ’s arrival.

Related: Another Undrafted Rookie Linebacker is Turning Heads at Vikings Training Camp

In 2016, Antoine Winfield Jr told the Star Tribune, that he didn’t hold any ill will against the Minnesota Vikings for cutting him three years prior. He told the paper, then, that “I was an old guy,” and that “this is a young man’s sport.”

But clearly, those were just nice quotes for a story on his son. Most likely, he didn’t want to make that feature about himself. Now, we know the truth. Antoine Winfield Jr isn’t a Viking, most likely because Rick Spielman did him dirty back in 2013 and he never got over it.

Minnesota Vikings should roster the two best safeties in NFL

Unfortunately, zero Vikings safeties are considered to be top-10 (or even top-15) in the NFL, according to a recent ESPN poll of anonymous league executives, coaches, and scouts. Harrison Smith is an obvious snub, but that’s for another article.

1. Antoine Winfield Jr. (25 y/o) | Buccaneers
2. Kyle Hamilton (23 y/o) | Ravens
3. Jessie Bates III (27 y/o) | Falcons
4. Minkah Fitzpatrick (27 y/o) | Steelers
5. Jevon Holland (24 y/o) | Dolphins
6. Budda Baker (28 y/o) | Cardinals
7. Derwin James Jr. (27 y/o) | Chargers
8. Kyle Dugger (28 y/o) | Patriots
9. Talanoa Hufanga (24 y/o) | Ravens
10. Xavier McKinney (24 y/o) | Ravens

What’s really sad about the above list is that both of the top safeties should be members of the Minnesota Vikings. The fact that both are playing elsewhere should not sit well with the Wilf family.

Never forget, Antoine Winfield Jr. and Kyle Hamilton were both mocked, projected and speculated to land in Minnesota prior to the draft and, instead of doing the obvious, both Rick Spielman and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah got cute, and now look stupid.

Antoine Winfield Jr. – No. 45 pick (2020): Vikings draft (WR) Justin Jefferson at No. 22, (CB) Jeff Gladney at No. 31 ahead and Ezra Cleveland at 58, shortly after.

Winfield Jr. was mocked to the Vikings multiple times, and the fit was pretty straightforward. The former Minnesota Gopher star knows the organization well as his dad spent nine years of his professional career in purple. Voted as the best player at the position, he jumped nine spots from his tenth overall ranking a season ago.

Related: ESPN: Vikings Should Have Best Weapons Arsenal in NFL

Winfield had a season for the ages in 2023. He recorded six sacks, six forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and three interceptions. His 27.9% ball hawk rate was the fourth highest among defensive players targeted at least 30 times. He probably should have been higher than No. 6 in the Defensive Player of the Year voting.

The Bucs unlocked Winfield by playing him more in the post in 2023 — he was primarily a nickelback the previous season. “He had more opportunities as a single-high defender to take throws away with his instincts, range and creating turnovers,” an NFC executive said. “He was already excellent in run support and as a blitzer, so it was the perfect combination.”

Jeremy Fowler (quote via anonymous NFL scout) – ESPN

All Antoine Winfield Jr. does is make plays!
pic.twitter.com/eHcCdx3MGN

— GopherHole.com (@GopherHole) December 10, 2023

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers just recently extended Winfield on a four-year deal. Winfield was named to his first All-Pro team this year. Minnesota decided to pass on Winfield with the 31st overall pick in 2020 and instead selected Jeff Gladney. Winfield was selected 45th overall, falling to the second round.

Kyle Hamilton – No. 14 pick (2022): Vikings traded back from 12 to 32 and took (S) Lewis Cine

Rather than sticking and picking Kyle Hamilton (Notre Dame), Minnesota traded back twenty spots from No. 12 to No. 32 and drafted a different safety, Lewis Cine (Georgia). The latter has been among the biggest busts in recent NFL Draft history.

He suffered a gruesome injury during the preseason of his rookie year, and has never rebounded. This is year three for Cine and he is a likely cut candidate. Had Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah not over thought his first draft, Hamilton would have been the obvious choice.

Related: Local Insider Hints at Lewis Cine and Andrew Booth Jr. Both Being Done in Minnesota

The start to Hamilton’s career with Baltimore Ravens has been nothing short of spectacular. Who knows how Brian Flores could have elevated his play even further.

Kyle Hamilton squeezing 3 vertical and then speed turning to make a play on 2 vertical pic.twitter.com/Gyz21iwr9D

— Ted Nguyen (@FB_FilmAnalysis) June 17, 2024

Macdonald, now the Seattle Seahawks head coach, deployed Hamilton all over the field, and Hamilton delivered with an All-Pro season.

Hamilton is the only player on this list with at least 10 tackles for loss (10) and 10 pass deflections (13) in 2023. He added three sacks and four interceptions, allowing 261 yards on 62 targets.

“The ultimate Swiss Army knife that was used in every way possible last season. He was a defender opposing offenses had to be aware of on every snap.”

Jeremy Fowler (quote via anonymous NFL scout) – ESPN

Related: Vikings Would Like to Help Saints Unload Rival CB1

It’s not always fair to look back and wonder what if, but both players realistically could have been in Vikings uniforms. Had even one of them been selected, the group may be more ready to see Harrison Smith ride off into the sunset.

Related: Will Harrison Smith Return to the Vikings Next Season?

Could help be a familiar face waiting in the free agency pool, come mid-March. Pro Football Focus thinks so. On Friday, they tweeted out a graphic that included pending free agent and former Minnesota Gophers legend, Antoine Winfield Jr, along with text that read, “LANDING SPOTS”.

Minnesota Vikings a possible landing spot for Antoine Winfield Jr?

The graphic listed three teams. At the top was Tampa Bay is 1st, the LA Rams 2nd and his father’s former team, the Minnesota Vikings, were the 3rd and final team listed.

Who should sign Antoine Winfield Jr this offseason? pic.twitter.com/d8rC3Ws8mk

— PFF (@PFF) January 26, 2024

Since entering the NFL as a 2nd round draft pick back in 2020, Antoine Winfield Jr has blossomed into one of the best young swiss army knife safeties in the world, something that isn’t all that surprising to Gopher football fans who watched him blossom at the University of Minnesota.

He’s started 59 games in four years and those he has missed were due to injuries. On day one, Tweez was making an impact in Tampa but his 2023 season was next level. His 12 passes defended nearly matched his career total entering the year (15).

The former Gopher also posted a career high in interceptions (3) and led the league in forced fumbles (6), all while piling up 122 total tackles. Winfield finished top-5 in three PFF grading categories among safeties including pass rush (3rd | 92.7), run stop (1st | 91.5) and overall defense (3rd | 90.4). Earlier this month, Winfield was also named AP 1st Team All-Pro for the first time in his career.

My top wish this offseason:

Antoine Winfield Jr.#Colts #ForTheShoe pic.twitter.com/ztcllGftNM

— Logan (@SconnieColt) January 26, 2024

Is Winfield signing in Minnesota realistic?

Would Antoine Winfield Jr fit what the Minnesota Vikings are looking to do this offseason? That depends on how you approach that question. This team desperately need an injection of young talent in their secondary. But… safety isn’t necessarily where they need the shot administered.

Yes, Harrison Smith is getting older, but we do not know if he is planning to retire yet. That certainly plays into this, both from a money and fit standpoint. They also have two promising young safeties in Cam Bynum and Josh Metellus.

Related: NFL Analytics Guru Predicts Vikings Will Let Danielle Hunter Walk

Not only that but the organization still claims to have faith in the future of former 1st round pick, Lewis Cine. Plus, Antoine Winfield Jr wants to cash in on the biggest deal he can possibly find, fresh off of his rookie deal, right? Will Minnesota’s front office pony-up more money for high-end safety play? That’s a worthy question.

More so than just about anyone else on this planet, I am very aware of how overhyped the Vikings’ cap problems are this offseason. But even so, it might not be the best place to spend their money. Still, dreaming about another Antoine Winfield in purple is difficult not to get nostalgic about.

A large contingent of us also remember his dad, Antoine Winfield Sr play in the 2000’s, locking down opposing wide receivers and lighting up running backs whose coaches dare call a toss or outside screen to his side of the Minnesota Vikings secondary.

Antoine Winfield Jr. has been a jack of all trades this season:
5 sacks + 5 TFLs
3 INTs + 12 passes defended
5 forced fumbles + 5 fumble recoveries

📺: #NOvsTB — Sunday 1pm ET on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/xuv1PmUkue

— NFL (@NFL) December 30, 2023

Related: Antoine Winfield Jr Should Be Mic’d Up Every Week

Antoine Winfield Jr egregious Pro Bowl snub

In an NFC void of safeties making the type of impact, both statistically and beyond the numbers, that Winfield Jr has made in 2023, “Tweez” felt like a Pro Bowl lock. But when rosters were released on Wednesday, Budda Baker (Cardinals) and Julian Love (Seahawks) were the NFC’s strong safeties and Winfield Jr was left off the roster.

Below are some on-paper comparisons between the three for this season. Look, I know numbers only tell part of the story… but in this case, I’m not sure I need to read the rest of said story in order to know that, not only does Budda Baker not belong as the NFC’s starter, he shouldn’t be on the roster, period.

Related: Antoine Winfield Jr Rows the Boat with Bucs Defense After Interception

Antoine Winfield Sr sounds off on son’s snub

Obviously, others around the football world have realized just how badly the Pro Bowl process is screwing Antoine Winfield Jr. And when that’s the case in 2024, people take to social media. Those people included Jr’s dad, Antoine Winfield Sr, who chose instagram as his venting platform. And he didn’t hold back, demanding a recount in the… wait for it… ALL CAPS.

antoine.winfield: WE DEMAND A RECOUNT🤬🤬🤬. @nfl somebody has some explaining to do!!! Ain’t NO WAY in HELL Buddha Baker goes to the ProBowl ahead of My lil man with NO STATS🤬. I know how important ProBowls are on the Resume & it just so happens to be his Contract year🤔. We ain’t going for the Bullshit. Somebody Need to Holla at me🤬🤬🤬.

This isn’t the first time Winfield Jr has been blatantly passed up by others who are not as deserving as he is. Just take a trip back to the 2020 NFL Draft, when he should have become a member of the Vikings.

Remember that time Winfield Jr was overlooked by Rick Spielman, Vikings

Much like I do, Rick Spielman falls watched Antoine Winfield Sr play football back in the 2000s AND he sat behind me in the Minnesota Gophers press box for much of the 2019 season, when Jr really rose to stardom, collegiately.

Not only that, but the then Vikings GM was and is well aware of how much better the odds are for a mid-round draft pick to stick in the league, and possibly reach great heights, if he has NFL blood flowing through his veins.

Related: Will Harrison Smith Return to the Vikings Next Season?

That’s why it was somewhat shocking when Spielman passed on Winfield Jr in April 2020. After nailing their first of two 1st round picks, when Justin Jefferson fell into their laps at pick 22, it was well known the Vikings were looking to get younger in their secondary with the picks that followed.

Projected in the top to middle of the 2nd round, Antoine Winfield Jr seemed like a rare no-miss 2nd rounder, and an immediate upgrade for a Vikings secondary looking to revamp itself. But instead of going with “Tweeze”, Rick and then head coach Mike Zimmer, took Jeff Gladney at pick 31 and followed that up with Cam Dantzler in the 3rd round (89th).

Love this. Was sent the Antoine Winfield Jr. draft vignette from ESPN. For his sake, hopefully we see this on ESPN tomorrow night, not Friday. #Gophers pic.twitter.com/vxWbNxSYqU

— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) April 23, 2020

Tampa Bay scooped up Winfield Jr at pick 45 and he’s done nothing but impress ever since. Dantzler, on the other hand, has spent more time on the sideline than on the playing field, during his three NFL seasons.

Not only did Spielman pass on Winfield Jr, but according to the former Gophers safety, Rick wasn’t really interested in Antoine Jr during the pre-draft process, even after watching him at least a dozen times from the then TCF Bank Stadium press box.

Jeff Gladney struggled with off the field issues, before tragically passing away in a car accident in May, 2022. He wasn’t a member of the Minnesota Vikings at that time.

Antoine Winfield Jr rows the boat with teammates

His big play was a 4th quarter interception that sealed a win for the Bucs, vs rookie quarterback Will Levis and the Tennessee Titans. It wasn’t the greatest play of Winfield’s career but it was the latest example of the all-time Gopher great having a knack for making game-ending plays.

.@AntoineWJr11 with the pick 🙌

📺: #TENvsTB on CBS pic.twitter.com/JwWIjU1Hoz

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) November 12, 2023

Related: Gophers Fly ‘Row The Boat’ Banner Over Koi Perich State Tournament Game

His ode to PJ Fleck and the Minnesota Gophers came a few seconds later, in front of the end zone celebration camera, when he and the Tampa defense sat down in a boat shape and all started rowing together.

ROW THAT BOAT 🚣

📺: #TENvsTB on CBS
🥳: @BudLight #EasyToCelebrate pic.twitter.com/ipyZi6yF7l

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) November 12, 2023

Once a Gopher, always a Gopher (except for the half that end up transferring or dropping out and crying to reporters). This act of love for Fleck is unlikely to save his former head coach from the well-deserved scrutiny he’ll currently receiving.

This isn’t the first time Winfield Jr has paid homage to Fleck’s “Row the Boat” mantra as part of a professional celebration, either. He rowed the boat after an interception he snagged in the 2021 Super Bowl, which he and the Bucs won.

But don’t worry, Antoine. PJ ‘s job isn’t in jeopardy. At least, not yet.

There’s a pretty big football game being played out in Tampa, FL right now and Antoine Winfield Jr, who’s playing safety, likes bright lights. In the 3rd quarter of tonight’s Super Bowl, with Patrick Mahomes desperately trying to keep the Kansas City Chiefs in the game, Winfield Jr was making big plays again.

Mahomes threw a pass that was tipped up into the air. When that happens around the former Minnesota Golden Gopher, the outcome is often the same. The football is in his hands and he’s celebrating or running the other way. Sunday night was no different.

The best part though… may have been what happened afterward. Anyone up for an evening boat row? Of course you are.

MAHOMES PICKED OFF BY ANTOINE WINFIELD JR.‼️

(via @NFLBrasil) pic.twitter.com/X7oXgbMEMI

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 8, 2021

Antoine Winfield Jr. snagged it before it hit the ground ???? @AntoineWJr11 @Buccaneers

???? #SBLV on CBS pic.twitter.com/Iptoy0DDZs

— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) February 8, 2021

Row. The. Boat.

???? James Lang-USA TODAY Sports pic.twitter.com/lz1roEk3xx

— Minnesota Football (@GopherFootball) February 8, 2021

Kids, do you want to play football and row boats like AWJ? Then you should look up PJ Fleck and the University of Minnesota.

Twwwweeeeeeezzzeee!!!! RTB!!! #RTB #HYPRR #SkiUMah

— P.J. Fleck (@Coach_Fleck) February 8, 2021

Never forget: Rick Spielman passed on Antoine Winfield Jr TWO times.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will play in the NFC Championship game this weekend and Minnesota football fans have adopted the Fighting Tom Brady’s for reasons beyond a shared hatred for their opponent, the Green Bay Packers. Former Golden Gopher footballers, Antoine Winfield Jr and Tyler Johnson, were both drafted by the Bucs last April.

Tampa Bay got their hands on Winfield Jr and T. Johnson after the Minnesota Vikings passed on each guy multiple times. But even if Spielman didn’t think they were fits back then (they were), he’d be hard-pressed to deny how much better they’d make this roster look right now, just one year later.

There's no logical explanation for passing on Antoine Winfield Jr and/or Tyler Johnson @realmnsportsfan pic.twitter.com/V8bnEJ8T4f

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) January 20, 2021

Antoine Winfield Jr.

If the Vikings had drafted Antoine Winfield Jr over Jeff Gladney, he would’ve gone much earlier than he did (at #31 instead of #45). The other option would’ve included Rick moving up from #58 in the second round, where he drafted Ezra Cleveland.

I don’t think there would have been very many football fans in Minnesota upset with drafting Winfield at the end of the 1st round. His season in Tampa certainly lived up to that.

In his rookie year with the Bucs, Winfield played in all 16 games, had one interceptions, two forced fumbles, three sacks, and 64 tackles. According to PFF, Winfield was the NFL’s 35th ranked safety, two spots ahead of Vikings veteran safety Anthony Harris. His final PFF grade was 66.5 and Jeff Gladney finished at 50.1.

You tell me who would’ve been the better pick at #31..

With Anthony Harris set to hit free agency after a bad season, Winfield could have slid right in as his replacement. A safety duo of Smith and Winfield would have made every Vikings/Gophers fan extremely happy.

Plus, he brings this kind of energy.

“Made some grown men cry last night… that was for my pops back in ’09.” ☠️☠️☠️

– Antoine Winfield Jr. with a *SAVAGE* Instagram post after Tampa Bay’s win over New Orleans! pic.twitter.com/2PTmBkZvti

— SKOR North (@SKORNorth) January 18, 2021

WR Tyler Johnson

The Minnesota Vikings did find a receiver in the same round that Tyler Johnson was drafted in, drafting KJ Osborn 15 picks after TJ was selected. Osborn got some snaps on special teams but wasn’t near the kick/punt returner the Vikings had hoped he’d be.

On day 2 of the April draft, there were fans begging Spielman to take Johnson from the third round, until he was eventually drafted in the 5th round by Tampa.

The fit would’ve been perfect for the Vikings and obviously so was the talent. This is a team that spent all of 2020 looking for a reliable WR3, to play next to Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson, but now that search will continue in 2021.

Johnson’s biggest problem, during his rookie campaign, was the presence of Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Antonio Brown and Scottie Miller at his same position. That’s before you get to Tom’s favorite target, Rob Gronkowski at TE. Consequently, Johnson didn’t get the same opportunity he would’ve gotten in Minnesota.

Poor decision making

But even with that crowded WR room, TJ posted 12 passes on 17 targets for 169 yards with two touchdowns. Tom Brady has raved about Tyler and expressed his regret in not getting the ball more often. You can see why, when you watch the catch he made vs the Saints last weekend, in the NFC Divisional round.

HANDS TEAM! ????

Tyler Johnson snatched this ????

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/rYlrHuJ5AD

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 18, 2021

Rick Spielman has no excuse for these misses, especially when both guys were playing right in his backyard. He should have taken Winfield and Johnson over Gladney and Osborn. Of course, they both might win a Super Bowl in their rookie campaigns while Minnesota Vikings fans might wait forever.

On second thought, I’m sure they’re doing just fine in Tampa.

Cooper Carlson | Minnesota Sports Fan

Antoine Winfield Jr now plays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but 12 long months ago he was prepping for bowl season as the ball-hawking, run-stopping, WR-hunting safety for the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Winfield Jr technically left campus early (RS SO), but due to injuries early in his college career, he spent 4 seasons in maroon and gold. We’ll never forget Antoine, his game-saving plays or that big beautiful smile and as it turns out, he hasn’t forgotten us either.

Here is how Antoine Winfield Jr showed up to his media appearance today, leading up to this weekend’s game between his Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Minnesota Vikings.

Bucs rookie safety Antoine Winfield Jr. showed up to today’s virtual press conference wearing a Minnesota Gophers sweatshirt. pic.twitter.com/JGetNtJ9II

— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) December 9, 2020

the #Bucs rookie S Antoine Winfield Jr. on playing against his father’s former team: “It is going to be a cool experience being able to play against one of my favorite teams”

— Gabrielle Shirley (@WFLAGabrielle) December 9, 2020

The pick that got away… or not?

Winfield Jr has had a monster rookie season in Tampa and is even on the radar for NFC Pro Bowl vote. If you read my desperate pleas for Rick Spielman to draft Antoine, then you won’t be surprised.

I wrote just yesterday about how good Rick’s 2020 draft was… but if he would have picked Winfield instead of Gladney, it would have been ELITE (pun intended).

Turns out, however, that Rick Spielman was never really interested in drafting Antoine Winfield Jr. According to AJW himself, the Minnesota Vikings never really showed him love during the pre-draft process. So when he saw “one of his favorite teams” pass on him in April, he wasn’t surprised a bit.

I watched Spielman watch Winfield Jr last season. What was he seeing that left him so uninterested? Especially, with a need at CB and S (with Anthony Harris on his way out). When I have my first conversation with Rick Spielman, passing on Antoine Winfield Jr will be my lead sports question.

#GoBucs Antoine Winfield Jr

“I wasn’t surprised that the @Vikings didn’t take me when they had a chance. It didn’t seem like they had much interest”#Bucs #Buccaneers #NFL

— 95.3 WDAE (@953WDAE) December 9, 2020

More love for The U.

This isn’t the first time Winfield has rep’d his University of Minnesota “drip” during public appearances as a Buccaneer. Just last month, he was doing a social media hit for the team and had another of his favorite Gophers sweatshirts on, this one of the black variety. Very sharp.

You asked.@AntoineWJr11 answered ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/S8ycORp1Ml

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) November 20, 2020

For 60 minutes worth of football this Sunday, I want Antoine Winfield Jr to fail. I hope Justin Jefferson runs past him for 200 yards and 3 touchdowns. I want to write a post-game blog about how Winfield Jr punted one for the home-team, who desperately needed a win.

After that, I hope he becomes the greatest safety of all time and I can write countless blogs reminding Rick Spielman about passing on him multiple times.

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

Minnesota Gophers’ Antoine Winfield Jr and Tyler Johnson were drafted in the 2nd and 5th rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tonight, in week 5 on Thursday Night Football, both guys were starting.

I have a feeling this could be a regular thing, going forward.

Four more hours ⏰

?: https://t.co/Qx0PWL9duN pic.twitter.com/QiRi0tA58p

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) October 8, 2020

The one and only @AntoineWJr11 ? pic.twitter.com/ekWpfJfGkw

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) October 8, 2020

I’ll Never Forgive Rick Spielman

I’m not just talking about two University of Minnesota draftees who got some snaps in a few random NFL games. We’re talking about two Gopher football legends who Vikings GM, Rick Spielman, passed up multiple times in the 2020 NFL draft.

Fast forward to tonight, the late-round pick, Johnson, lead the Bucs in receiving yards (61 yds on 4 catches) and on defense their Chicago opponents completely avoided Antoine Winfield Jr in the passing game. He still wound up with 4 tackles and a pass defended.

Wide receiver, Tyler Johnson, got by far his most action of the season. He was a healthy scratch earlier in the year, but after watching this catch and run, how does Bruce Arians not find more snaps in the game plan for TJ?

Rookie WR Tyler Johnson breaking all the tackles ?

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/wNaFExQqg7

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 9, 2020

The Vikings repeatedly passing on Winfield and Johnson will forever haunt me but I sure love seeing them contribute at a high level on any NFL team. I also like how much it helps recruiting at the University of Minnesota. Really, Tom Brady took his eyes off of Tyler Johnson too often late in this game, repeatedly throwing to a covered Gronk and Mike Evans instead.

He never even looked at TJ on the last drive of the game. A drive in which the Bucs’ offense stalled, with a chance to drive down and kick a field goal to win. Then again, he thought 4th down was 3rd down on that drive too…

The Bucs Social Media Team Loves Antoine Winfield Jr.

Clearly, the Bucs social media team knows what they have in their two Minnesotans… or maybe they just like to troll Spielman. They never miss an opportunity to put Tyler Johnson or (especially) Antoine Winfield Jr on their Twitter page.

They are as obsessed as we are…. thankfully. The world needs more AWJ.

RT if you ♥️ @AntoineWJr11.

Trying to see something. pic.twitter.com/qr0b288Ude

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) October 9, 2020

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan

I feel like I’m mad at every authority figure across the Minnesota sports landscape this week. Last night, it was Rocco Baldelli and the Minnesota Twins analytics department. Today, it’s Rick Spielman’s turn. The Minnesota Vikings are terrible in 2020 and that’s partly due to their reliance on newly drafted players who weren’t ready for NFL play.

You know who was ready for NFL play, though? The guy who was just ripping up TCF Bank Stadium not even one year ago, Antoine Winfield Jr. He’s thriving in Tampa Bay and was just awarded NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Month (September) as the Buccaneers starting Safety.

Just the beginning ?

?: https://t.co/EHdv928ULd pic.twitter.com/DoJAVISt78

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) October 1, 2020

Antoine Winfield Jr has been one of the best safeties in the NFL and that’s not a shocker to anyone who reads this website. I was begging Rick Spielman to take Antoine Winfield Jr leading all the way up to the draft. He was a no-miss pick. Instead, we got Jeff Gladney.

Steal of the 2020 Draft

Winfield is currently #5 among all 2020 safeties, in PFF grade. Anthony Harris is nowhere to be found on that list. Always reliable, Harrison Smith is #2. Even if the Vikings wanted to keep Harris around, Winfield would have been really good in the slot for one season (read below). In fact, Zimmer likes to blitz his nickel corners a lot and Winfield is the only safety in the NFL (among the top-30), who rates +80 in pass rush grade, at 91.2.

Winfield’s contributions have helped the Buccaneers get off to a 2-1 start and rank fourth in the NFL in yards allowed and seventh in points allowed. He stepped right into the starting lineup in Week One despite not having the opportunity to play in any preseason games or learn the defense during an extensive offseason program.

Winfield has also already demonstrated the remarkable versatility that has drawn him comparisons to veteran stars Tyrann Mathieu and Budda Baker. After playing free safety throughout the Buccaneers’ first two games, Winfield opened the third contest at that position in Denver on Sunday but later moved to the slot corner spot after Sean Murphy-Bunting left with an injury. Winfield recorded a sack while blitzing out of the safety position and a pass defensed while blitzing out of the slot.

Buccaneers.com

Spielman’s 2020 Draft Class

Zim and Kubiak finally let Justin Jefferson loose last week and it paid off to the tune of 175 and a TD. Yet, they are still afraid to insert 3rd-round draft pick, Ezra Cleveland, into a real-game situation (7 snaps all season). That’s while knowing the offensive line can’t block Kirk Cousins without him, anyway. Like, how much worse can he be than what we’ve seen?

Arguably just as bad as the offensive line, is the state of the Vikings secondary. The cornerbacks can’t cover anyone and the safeties are being exposed because of it. Holton Hill and Mike Hughes are nowhere near as ready for big-spot roles, as we thought they were. Meanwhile, the two rookies (Jeff Gladney and Cam Dantzler) might as well stay in the locker room. Or maybe they can get lost on their way to the field, like they do while on it?

You guys wanna see a dead secondary? (via pff) #Vikings pic.twitter.com/yWtK1keCcg

— Minnesota Sports Fan (@realmnsportsfan) October 1, 2020

Sidebar: You know who tops the PFF leaderboards for cornerbacks? Xavier Rhodes, who rates as an 89.0. While Spielman and Zimmer can blame the Rhodes situation on money but that doesn’t explain away the miss on Antoine Winfield Jr.

Rick Had No Reason to Miss Winfield

Rick Spielman sat behind me in the press box of TCF Bank Stadium for multiple Gopher football home games last season (oh good for me). He had a better seat than any other GM, to watch Winfield destroy his competition. Yet, when the draft rolled around and the Vikings came up at #31 overall, they chose Gladney instead. The Bucs would eventually select Winfield at #45 (2nd round).

Flash forward to today, the Vikings are 0-3 with one of the worst secondaries in the NFL. Antoine Winfield Jr., on the other hand, is winning the first Defensive Rookie of the Month for 2020. Rick and Mike had better turn this ship around in week 4 or questions like this will become much more pressing.

Maybe if the Vikings had drafted Winfield Jr., or found a way to keep just one more member of the 2019 secondary, Mike Zimmer wouldn’t have to snap at reporters for reading off facts about his shitty defense.

Mike Zimmer ain’t here for the bullshit. pic.twitter.com/pYGDpiXEeR

— Rivers McCown (@riversmccown) September 30, 2020

Eric Strack | Minnesota Sports Fan