Winfield released

[Funkytown]

The Seahawks decision vindicates the business reality that a team cannot keep an aging player of tremendous character when the football side is fading.

It also shows how much talent and depth--and talented depth lol--other teams have on their rosters compared to us. I bet there are other teams that he wouldn't have made the final cut either. But on ours, it wouldn't have even been a discussion. If money wasn't an issue, he would be on the team. No questions. Either way, he's a great guy--and I wish him the best. Too bad it ended like it did.

[thatguy]

Ring of Honor and/or one-day contract with Winfield, and I'll be happy.

[Demi]

Who knows, maybe someone will step up? They won't when they never get a chance because a 36 year old smurf is handed the job well into what should be his retirement. They'll probably bring him back, because he's better right now this year than the alternative, and Spielman seems to think that's how you rebuild a team. By filling the roster with 30+ year olds, and trying to fill positions with draft picks as they are needed.

And yet Manning would have helped us with Ponder?

What? Yes signing Manning and giving him the job would have been in the best interest of the team. We'd be a contender for more than just the last wild card spot at best.

Oh look, he retired. Because he's done. Hopefully the team doesn't try and sweet talk him to take a one year "keep the snaps away from the young guys" deal.

[Just Me]

I'd still like him on the team as some type of coach, but I doubt that'll ever happen...

[HardcoreVikesFan]

LOL. Retiring is just one more "F you" to Spielman and Co.


Oh well, IDC, I moved on way back when we cut Antoine. I wish him nothing but the best in retirement.

[Texas Vike]

LOL. Retiring is just one more "F you" to Spielman and Co.


Oh well, IDC, I moved on way back when we cut Antoine. I wish him nothing but the best in retirement.

Who knows? Maybe Toine just realized that the Vikings and Seahawks (albeit, late) were right; that his level has dropped significantly and that it was time to say "adiós" and ride off into the sunset w/ that cool million from the seahags.

[Demi]

How is it an "F you" to them? We don't even know that the Vikings even wanted him back. It's not like they called and he said "no thanks I'd rather retire"

If he still wanted to play he probably could went somewhere else (WAS? DEN?). He didn't retire just to spite the Vikings.

Because the Vikings and Frazier talked about bringing him back before the Seahawks signed him?.....and instead of exploring that option he retired the next day?

[HornedMessiah]

Bah, Winfield retiring is not an insult to the Vikings. More likely, he's just done. He's old and there's no more gas in the tank. Vikes need to just move on

[thatguy]

Bah, Winfield retiring is not an insult to the Vikings. More likely, he's just done. He's old and there's no more gas in the tank. Vikes need to just move on

Yeah, I don't view it as a knock on any specific franchise. More likely going to the Seahawks was his final attempt at a ring and when he was released, he realized it was time to hang it up. Kudos to him - a true professional regardless of how he feels about the Vikings organization.

[PacificNorseWest]

I think he decided if he cannot make it with a team on the cusp of greatness, it's time to retire. He's 36 so it's no big surprise. The Vikings made the decision to cut him and go younger. They should be excited about their prospects, with or without him. I personally was disappointed in how his tenure ended with the Vikings, but that was in the eyes of a fan recognizing tremendous dedication in a once great player. The Seahawks decision vindicates the business reality that a team cannot keep an aging player of tremendous character when the football side is fading.

I can't say I entirely agree with his. And the only reason for any uncertainty on my part is because I don't truly know how Winfield would have performed on the field this year. His preseason wasn't impressive by any stretch, but sometimes these vets have their own ways of going about preparing for the season. He simply just went into a situation with a bunch of hungry kids who are extremely talented and earned it. Point blank. That's what it is. Seattle's entire secondary is littered with players who can all start somewhere in the NFL.

[tnvikesfan]

Winfield was starting to slow down a little, but played at a high level regardless. He was a bit more fragile the last couple years, and I don't think retirement was far even if he did make the 'Hawks roster.

What I would like is to see him in a Vikings Coaching Staff shirt teaching these young guys how to tackle! Winfield could use his body better than any corner I think I've seen play in forever. He learned techniques to compensate for a smaller stature that would be very valuable to our young DBs.

I wish him the best, he was a huge asset to our team for quite a few years.

[Just Me]

Winfield was starting to slow down a little, but played at a high level regardless. He was a bit more fragile the last couple years, and I don't think retirement was far even if he did make the 'Hawks roster.

What I would like is to see him in a Vikings Coaching Staff shirt teaching these young guys how to tackle! Winfield could use his body better than any corner I think I've seen play in forever. He learned techniques to compensate for a smaller stature that would be very valuable to our young DBs.

I wish him the best, he was a huge asset to our team for quite a few years.

Well said!

[allday1991]

http://www.startribune.com/sports/vikin ... 06951.html

"Sanford not convinced Winfield is done"

"Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said on Wednesday that he texted former cornerback Antoine Winfield but that he would not try and talk any player out of retirement.

Safety Jamarca Sanford intends to take a different approach.

"I will most definitely call him and try and talk him out of retirement," Sanford said. "I'm pretty sure Coach Frazier isn't going to call him or nobody at the top [of the organization] is going to call him. But I'm for sure going to reach out to him and see what he's thinking."- Chip Scoggins

Just came across this, hope Sanford can talk him out of retirement I'd love to have him back one of my all time favourite players.

[Demi]

Bring him back and give him Sanford's job.

[soflavike]

Bring him back to teach our linebackers and DB's how to tackle.