In 2023, Antoine Winfield Jr. turned in one of the greatest statistical seasons by a safety in NFL history.
According to Buccaneers.com, he became the first player since data tracking began in 1999 to record 100-plus tackles and at least three interceptions, forced fumbles, fumble recoveries, and sacks in a single season.
He was also the only defensive back since 2000 to notch six or more sacks and six or more forced fumbles in a season, and the only DB with seven or more takeaways and five-plus sacks.
But after that 2023 campaign cemented Winfield Jr. as an elite playmaker and arguably the league’s top safety, his encore in 2024 fell short of the lofty expectations.
Winfield played in just nine games last season as he dealt with lingering foot and knee injuries. He finished with career-lows of only 34 tackles, with no interceptions or forced fumbles. (Although Bucs fans haven’t forgotten his nearly heroic forced fumble on Kyle Pitts that was wiped away by a controversial call in Atlanta’s favor.)
Luckily for the Buccaneers, Winfield Jr. is healthy again, and if the first day of training camp is any indication, he’s ready to remind the league exactly who he is in 2025.
Winfield kicked off training camp by intercepting quarterback Baker Mayfield on back-to-back plays during practice — both on throws targeting wide receiver Mike Evans.
Antoine Winfield makes an incredible interception on the sideline with Zyon McCollum tipping the ball in coverage on Mike Evans. Winfield kept two feet in to complete the INT.
— Logan B. Robinson (@LogansTwitty) July 23, 2025
Winfield on the NEXT play intercepts Baker Mayfield again biting on Mike Evans’ route.
Have a day… pic.twitter.com/lnU5kzfCYj
His teammates immediately took notice of his impact.
"Tweeze is everywhere. He’s a ninja on the field,” rookie wide receiver Jalen McMillan told reporters after practice.
Head Coach Todd Bowles stressed that while the splash plays are exciting, seeing his All-Pro safety back on the field and moving well was the real win.
“It’s just good to see him healthy,” Bowles said. “I’m not going to put too much into the first day – we’re in shorts and t-shirts getting acclimated. He made some plays in shorts and t-shirt that I know he can make in pads. I was just happy to see him moving around.”
The Bucs sorely missed Winfield Jr.’s presence last season. Tampa Bay’s defense fell from seventh in points allowed in 2023 to 16th in 2024, with the passing defense ranking 29th league-wide.
As the team sets its sights on a Super Bowl run in 2025, a bounce-back on the defensive side of the ball to complement an offense that ranked top five will be critical, and getting their best defender back healthy and in peak form is the key to making it happen.