For casual viewers, it seemed like just another case of taunting in a game that was full of them. But for Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr., it was revenge that was months in the making.
In the final minutes of Super Bowl LV on Sunday, as the Buccaneers’ 31-9 win over the Kansas City Chiefs became inevitable, Winfield was seen taunting Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill, appearing to hold two fingers in front of him after successfully defending a pass.
https://twitter.com/benbbaldwin/status/1358610242746150913
After the game, Winfield acknowledged his taunt on Hill, saying it was payback after he did something similar in their previous meeting in Week 12 in November, which was a 27-24 win for the Chiefs (via Sports Illustrated’s Wilton Jackson).
“When we played them earlier, Hill went off on us. He backflipped right in front of my face and gave me the peace sign. So, it was only right that I gave him the peace sign right back to him. It felt amazing to be able to do that.”
In that game, which also turned out to be the Buccaneers’ last defeat of the season, Hill was unstoppable, finishing with 13 receptions for 269 yards and three touchdowns. The 26-year old also offered some end zone theatrics, something Winfield didn’t forget.
Antoine Winfield didn't forget. ✌️ pic.twitter.com/DWTm0OaftV
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) February 8, 2021
So when Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes targeted Hill near the end zone in the final minutes of Super Bowl LV, Winfield was ready to deflect the pass and get back at the wide receiver. His taunting on Hill drew a penalty, but the Buccaneers regained possession.
Tyreek Hill might have gotten the better of the Buccaneers defense in their first meeting, but this time, he finished with just seven catches for 73 yards and failed to score a TD. Antoine Winfield Jr., meanwhile, had six tackles and two passes deflected as they shut down the Chiefs’ high-powered offense.
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