It wouldn’t have been shocking to see Minnesota fans rooting for Tampa Bay on Sunday.
Not only are there two former Gophers playing for the Buccaneers, but the Vikings and Saints have met in the playoffs quite often recently. New Orleans fans have the Minneapolis Miracle and the 2019 overtime loss to dislike Minnesota. Vikings fans of course have 2009, where Brett Favre and Minnesota were knocked out of the NFC Championship.
One of those ex-Gophers, Antoine Winfield Jr., mentioned 2009 after Tampa Bay defeated New Orleans in the playoffs. Winfield’s father was playing for the Vikings when they lost to the Saints in the NFC Championship. Here’s what he said on Instagram after the game:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CKMSTqwFdK7/
As seen in video form on his Instagram, Winfield Jr. made one of the biggest plays of the game. He forced New Orleans tight end Jared Cook to fumble in the third quarter. Buccaneers linebacker Devin White was able to scoop up the ball. The turnover led to a game-tying touchdown drive.
Tyler Johnson, the other former Gophers player who came up big for the Buccaneers Sunday, replied to the post as well.