Antoine Winfield talks to Sage of Tampa Bay Sports Ira Kaufman.

BY IRA KAUFMAN

Antoine Winfield Jr. just made a powerful opening statement on his Redemption Tour.

Buc fans remember Winfield as an All-Pro safety in 2023, when he looked like the second coming of Rondé Barber. He made his presence felt across the board with an array of big plays that included three interceptions, six forced fumbles and six sacks, along with 122 tackles.

Four months later, the Bucs rewarded Winfield by making him the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history. He was a young game-changer approaching his prime, but injuries set him back last season, when he failed to record a pick or a forced fumble.

Even in the nine games he played in 2024, he never looked the same, so he arrived in training camp eager to atone. If Wednesday’s opening practice is any indication, Winfield is back to elite form. He was all over the field, highlighted by several splash plays.

“I’m coming in knowing this is going to be my best year,” Winfield told me after his head-turning session in searing heat. “I’m coming in happy, healthy and ready to fly around and make plays. I’m just excited to be on the field. To me, it felt like I missed the whole season last year.”

Winfield said he’s not interested in making excuses for his pedestrian numbers last fall. He downplayed any suggestion his mega contract creates extra pressure. “Not at all,” he said. “I’m going to trust in what I do and believe in myself, just play football and have fun.”

At the age of 26, Winfield is the veteran presence Todd Bowles, a former NFL safety, is counting on to generate a dynamic vibe.

“Tone-setter, that’s my job,” Winfield said. “That’s why I get paid the money I do. I’m supposed to set the tone and make those plays for our team. That’s what I’m here for.”

Tampa Bay’s defense failed to complement a high-powered attack last year..There were too many completions and not enough picks.

“We have to get better with interceptions and takeaways in general,” said Winfield. “And tackling issues were a huge problem for us last year. We missed a lot of tackles — myself included. We were getting killed in the flats. They were checking down and we were missing tackles, turning 2-yard passes into 15-yard gains. Good tackling is a fundamental part of being a good player.”

Winfield looks around the field at training camp and likes what he sees.

“I’m excited,” he said. “All around, I think we’re solid. It’s going to be a fun year.”

Bowles is counting on Winfield’s return to stardom and Winfield doesn’t want to disappoint him.

“He’s one of those coaches that players want to play for,” Winfield said. “Just being around him for the past .six years, you want to win for the guy. You know he’s going to do whatever he can do to put you in the best position possible to succeed. You can’t do anything but respect that.

“One on one, he’ll tell it to you straight. I don’t mind because I want to know what I can do better. Is he sarcastic? He’ll mix that in once in awhile, but he’s serious at the same time. He wants to teach you, not tear you down.”

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