Antoine Winfield Jr.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
| Position | College | Years in the NFL |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | University of Minnesota | 4 |
Demonstrates Excellence on the Field
Since his arrival in Tampa, Antoine Winfield Jr. has established himself as a vital piece of the Buccaneers defense. Selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft (45th overall), Winfield Jr. started 16 games as a rookie to help the team to their second Super Bowl title in franchise history, recording an interception off Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes in that matchup to become the seventh rookie or first-year player in NFL history to record an interception in the Super Bowl.
In his nearly four seasons, he has started all 49 regular season games he has played in, totaling 308 tackles (14 for loss), 21 passes defensed, 11.0 sacks, eight forced fumbles, four interceptions (returned 61 yards), and six fumble recoveries. In the postseason, Winfield Jr. has started six contests, recording 39 tackles (three for loss), two quarterback hits, two passes defensed, one interception, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. At the halfway point of the 2023 season, he already set a new career mark with three forced fumbles while matching his previous single-season high in passes defended with six.
Demonstrates Dedication and Commitment to Community Efforts this Year
In 2023, Antoine Winfield Jr. has been intentional in his efforts in the Tampa community, particularly with local foster children.
Working with two local nonprofits, Heart Gallery of Tampa and A Kid's Place of Tampa Bay, Winfield Jr. has made it his mission to ensure that kids in the foster care system can have the same experiences as other kids their age. He has planned and funded several outings across Tampa to provide these meaningful experiences.
Winfield Jr. led a Halloween celebration with A Kid's Place, taking children housed at the facility trick-or-treating throughout a neighboring residential area and providing McDonald's gift cards for all 55 children at the event.
This year, Winfield Jr. took a group of young women to a local Ulta store to buy makeup, arranged a spa day with his fiancé for eight young women from Heart Gallery, and planned an outing at Altitude Trampoline Park for seven foster kids. During training camp, he invited a Heart Gallery child to practice, surprising him with tickets to a game.
Continuing his commitment to local youth, Winfield Jr. serves on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Social Justice Board and participates in its Youth Leadership Program, which has expanded this year to double the number of students involved, enhancing the program's impact. As part of that program, Winfield Jr. will participate in four mentorship sessions, while also contributing to a community service project with Habitat for Humanity to help build two homes for families in need.
In addition, Winfield Jr. donates six tickets every game as part of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Community Ticket Program to Heart Gallery of Tampa children. He supported A Kid's Place of Tampa Bay as part of the NFL's My Cause My Cleats initiative this season.
Demonstrates Dedication and Commitment to Community Efforts in Years Past
Since his arrival in Tampa, Winfield Jr. has continued to put an emphasis on his community work.
Through his involvement with the Heart Gallery of Tampa, Winfield Jr. has generously sponsored various outings for local foster children. Last year, he treated seven foster youth to a day at Topgolf, where they enjoyed multiple rounds of gameplay and received jerseys, hats, and food. Additionally, in 2022, Winfield Jr. supported the Heart Gallery of Tampa as part of the NFL's My Cause My Cleats initiative.
Prior to finding his own cause to support, he has been an avid supporter of the Buccaneers' community efforts and those of his teammates, taking part in last year's Buccaneers "O-Line Lights Up Christmas" shopping spree at a local Target.
After incurring a $7,815 fine in Super Bowl LV for flashing a peace sign at then-Kansas City Chiefs receiver Tyreek Hill, Winfield Jr. demonstrated his commitment to community impact. He donated the exact fine amount, with the Buccaneers matching the total, to Young Middle Magnet School in Tampa. This school is a key partner for the organization's Youth Leadership Program, an initiative Winfield Jr. has actively supported since joining Tampa.
Demonstrates Consistency in Positive Character and Models a Lifestyle of Giving Back
Winfield Jr. has grown into an exemplary young man, both on and off the field, since his arrival in Tampa.
His dedication to supporting local foster children is a source of pride for Winfield Jr. and has consistently grown over time. He has continued to increase his community involvement year over year in the same manner his play on the field has continued to elevate. In the building, he always has a smile on his face, and the way he treats others has garnered the respect of the entire Bucs' organization.
