Antoine Winfield Mentee Harrison Smith Knew Jr. 'Would be Baller'

[Viktor]

"It was like clockwork," Smith said. "He was always making a pick or a sack or a big hit. And it was cool because – I'm sure getting compared to your dad gets old, and he's his own player, he does his own thing – but you can see [similarities]. The way his dad played, he wasn't the biggest guy, but he was very physical. He was just always around the ball, always hitting people, always making plays, and the first Minnesota [Gophers] game I turned on, it was the same thing. It wasn't surprising at all, and it was really cool to see.


"I'm sure it's awesome for Big Tweeze to watch every game day," he added, referencing Antoine Sr.'s nickname.


As Smith said, Antoine Jr. is following in his father's footsteps but forging his own NFL path.


The 5-foot-9, 203-pound safety has started all 12 games for the Bucs this season. He's totaled 69 tackles (44 solo), 2.0 sacks, four passes defensed, a forced fumble and recorded his first NFL interception against the Raiders in Week 7.


Smith, who will turn 32 in February, said it's "wild" that he will play on Sunday against the son of his former mentor and teammate.


"Big Antoine was definitely my example for when I got into the league of how to be a pro, how to get ready for games, how to play on game day. Just how to handle business," he said. "And just the fact that now we're playing against his son [is crazy].


"I was telling one of the corners, maybe Cam [Dantzler], and I was like, 'Yeah, I played with Antoine.' And he thought I meant the son, Jr., and I was like, 'No, I played with his dad,' " Smith laughed. "So I don't even know if some guys realize that. But it's definitely cool. I'm glad I've been able to be a part of learning from Antoine and now seeing his son do what he's doing every weekend is special."


The uniqueness of the situation isn't lost on Antoine, Jr., either.


While watching film together Tuesday night, the father and son talked how life has truly come full circle. After growing up spending Sundays in the Metrodome seats, Antoine Jr. will be the one running out of the tunnel and onto the field in Tampa this weekend.


"I was like, 'Isn't it crazy that I'm playing against the Vikings?' We laughed about it," Antoine Jr. said. "I grew up a Vikings fan, watching my dad play up there. I've always loved the Vikings, watched pretty much all their games when I was growing up, so it's going to be a cool experience being able play against one of my favorite teams."