The Top 100 rundown continues. On the fifth day of the grand reveal, NFL Network announced the players featured in this year's 50-41 grouping. Buccaneers' safety Antoine Winfield Jr. came in at No. 46, joining teammates Lavonte David (99) and Tristan Wirfs (85) in the countdown.
Following his historic 2023 campaign, Winfield Jr. earned Associated Press All-Pro honors and became the highest paid safety in NFL history. He set the tone on defense for Tampa Bay, defending every blade of grass with urgency. Winfield Jr. put a season on the gridiron in 2023 that defied convention, entrenching his status among the league's hierarchy.
Last season, Winfield Jr. posted 122 tackles, 12 passes defensed, eight quarterback hits, 6.0 sacks, six forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and three interceptions – all of which established new career highs. He became the first player since data became available in 1999 to finish a season with 100-plus tackles and at least three interceptions, forced fumbles, fumble recoveries and sacks in a single season. Additionally, Winfield Jr. was also the lone defensive back since 2000 with 6.0-plus sacks and six-or-more forced fumbles in a season, and the lone defensive back with seven-or-more takeaways and 5.0-plus sacks. Among defensive backs in 2023, Winfield Jr. finished first in sacks (6.0), first in forced fumbles (six), first in fumble recoveries (four), tied for third in takeaways (seven) and third in quarterback hits (eight).
With rare instincts, effective angles to the ball in pursuit and sideline-to-sideline range, Winfield Jr. is a player that offensive coordinators around the NFL have to gameplan around. The menacing playmaker is one of the Bucs' defensive pillars. Winfield Jr. commands the middle of the field and is creating a lasting legacy in the NFL.
