Antoine Winfield Jr. has a bit of a new approach when he steps on the field. Being forced to the sideline for a good portion of a football season because of an injury will do that.

It’s not that Winfield is changing things from a physicality standpoint, the Minnesota defensive back is still giving his best each and every day, trying to become the best player he can. It’s the mental approach that has changed slightly this year.

Winfield suffered a toe injury last season that required surgery, effectively ending his 2018 campaign. Now that he’s back on the field as the Gophers continue through spring practice this week, the defensive back says he feels blessed to make a return.

“Going through that first injury, it just taught me a lot about myself. How to be calm, be patient. Everything is supposed to happen exactly the way it’s supposed to happen,” Winfield Jr. said, according to FOX 9. “It’s just a mindset. Every time I get on the field I’m just blessed to be out there, because I know what it’s like to be out.”

Winfield played in the first four games for Minnesota last year and was responsible for some big-time plays. He steamrolled through a bevy of New Mexico State defenders on his way to the end zone on a punt return in the season opener. The following week, Winfield corralled a game-winning interception as the Gophers knocked off Fresno State.

The defensive back totaled 17 tackles before suffering the injury in the B1G opener against Maryland.

If Winfield is at full strength, he’ll be regarded as one of the top defensive backs in the B1G in 2019. But those aren’t the kind of accolades the Gopher is worried about right now. After missing most of last season, Winfield is focusing on himself and taking things one day at a time.

“I’m just taking it one day at a time, just trying to change my best every day,” Winfield said. “I’m just trying to improve my craft every time I get the chance to be on the field.”