Gophers safety Winfield to declare for NFL Draft

Photo: Stacy Bengs/Associated Press
Minnesota defensive back Antoine Winfield Jr. (11) intercepts the ball intended for Penn State wide receiver Justin Shorter (6) during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Minneapolis.

Updated: January 08, 2020 12:52 PM

Minnesota Golden Gophers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. will leave the team and declare for the NFL Draft, according to an Instagram post Wednesday.

In the post, Winfield thanked his teammates and coaches, adding a special thank you to head coach P.J. Fleck, who he said "created a great culture and instilled important lessons in me."

"I dreamed of playing in the league ever since I can remember. I looked up to my dad, and watched what he did and all he accomplished," Winfield's post read. "Seeing what he was able to do empowers me to say: It's my time."

Winfield, a redshirt sophomore, is the son of former Minnesota Viking defensive back Antoine Winfield.

This season for the Gophers, Winfield Jr. recorded 88 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 7 interceptions, which led the entire Big Ten conference and was fourth in the nation, on his way to being named a first-team All-American. Winfield was also named one of five finalists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, which goes to the best defensive player in college football. It was ultimately awarded this season to Ohio St. defensive end Chase Young.