After spending their college careers together at Minnesota, Antoine Winfield Jr. and Tyler Johnson were able to start their NFL journeys together with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The two were selected by the franchise during the 2021 NFL Draft.

Their careers at Minnesota ended on a high note, finishing the 2019 campaign with an 11-2 record and defeating Auburn in the Outback Bowl. Now, in their first season in the NFL, Winfield and Johnson are just one victory away from playing in the Super Bowl.

Speaking with reporters this week, Winfield explained the experience, and what it’s been like to go through it with a longtime teammate. There’s no question that Winfield appreciates the opportunity and that there’s a special bond between the two Gophers.

In his first season with the Bucs, Winfield has been responsible for 64 tackles, 6 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles and an interception. Johnson has caught 12 passes for 169 yards and 2 touchdowns.

After helping the Bucs get a 30-20 win over the New Orleans Saints last weekend, Winfield and Johnson will hope to contribute and get Tampa Bay to a Super Bowl again. The Bucs will travel to Green Bay for a showdown with the Packers in the NFC Championship Game.