It's official: Antoine Winfield Jr. is leaving the Gophers for the NFL
University of Minnesota defensive back and unanimous All-American Antoine Winfield Jr., declared for the 2020 NFL Draft today. Winfield made the announcement on Instagram.
In his Instagram post, Winfield thanks his coaches, staff, trainers and teammates, especially head coach P.J. Fleck. "I appreciate you being an awesome coach and mentor who created a great culture and instilled important lessons in me," said Winfield.
Winfield was a 4th-year sophomore and gives up two more years of eligibility. Winfield missed two seasons with medical redshirts.
Winfield started all 13 games for Minnesota this year after missing the majority of the 2017 and 2018 seasons. He led the Gophers with 88 tackles and 62 solo tackles, and seven interceptions. Winfield was also named Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year and All-Big Ten First Team. He was one of five finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Award, which is presented annually to the best defensive player in the nation.
He made one of the biggest plays of the year for the Gophers, preserving an OT win with an interception in the end zone during the 2nd OT against Fresno State.
Winfield made five tackles in Minnesota's 31-24 Outback Bowl win against No. 9 Auburn. He helped lead the Gophers to an 11-2 record and the 11 wins were the most by Minnesota since 1904.
