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‘That’s over’: Antoine Winfield Jr. focused on moving on following Bucs’ Super Bowl run

Dustin Schutte

By Dustin Schutte

Published:

Not many rookies enjoyed a year quite as impactful as Antoine Winfield Jr. The former Minnesota safety carved out a pretty big role for himself in his first year with Tampa Bay.

The former second-round pick was a Super Bowl champion and named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team after totaling 94 tackles, 6 pass break-ups, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and an interception with the Buccaneers. Not bad for a first year in the NFL.

Considering the success Winfield enjoyed last season, it might be easy for him to rely on his past success. Instead, he’s focused on getting back to the Super Bowl.

“It meant everything. It was a dream come true last year. But, my mindset is that’s old news. Now it’s time to go out and do it again,” Winfield said. “I’m just out here every day trying to get better, perfecting my craft. My mindset is, I’m not a Super Bowl champion anymore. Focus on the next one.”

With seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady back under center, the Bucs will be one of the favorites to claim a title in 2021. That’s Winfield’s focus, too.

Tampa Bay opens the regular season on Thursday, Sept. 9 at home against Dallas. The game will air at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC.

Dustin Schutte

Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB