As one of 59 prospects invited to the NFL draft, Antoine Winfield Jr. was looking forward to the spectacle of being in Las Vegas. Hearing his name called in front of thousands of fans. Ferrying to the stage through the Bellagio fountain via boat. Hugging the commissioner. Pulling that jersey over a nice suit. Donning a cap. Posing with his signature wide smile.
Instead, the former Gophers safety will hear the announcement through TV speakers from a little makeshift studio at his parents’ house near Houston. No fans, no boat, only hugs from his parents and two brothers.