Joe Gaiter: What does football mean to you?
Corey Winfield: Football means a lot to me. Football has been my passion since I was six years old. Football season is the best time of the year because you get a chance to showcase all the hard work you put in over the summer. When I hear the word “football” I think of being mentally and physically tough because at the end of the day that’s what it comes down to. It takes intelligence, talent, strength, willpower and determination to be a football player. I love this game, and I hope to continue playing for many more years to come.
Joe Gaiter: Tell me about your season this year?
Corey Winfield: My season didn’t go as planned. It began with a rough start, I had to get surgery which kept me out of camp for over two weeks. Due to an NCAA rule, I was not able to sit in on meetings or watch practice. This created a major setback for me as I was trying to transition from one football scheme and adapt to another. After catching up and getting back on my feet I unfortunately sprained my ankle. This sprain kept me out for the remainder of the season. Therefore, due to injuries I was not able to perform to the best of ability. However, I was able to learn new techniques, schemes and plays. Additionally, I got much bigger, stronger and faster. So while my on-field play was not what I expected, I was able to develop as an all-around better athlete.
Joe Gaiter: How hungry are you to make it to the NFL?
Corey Winfield: I’m starving! Making it to the NFL has always been a dream for me. I have worked so hard my whole life, overcoming obstacles and striving to make my dreams reality. Growing up, I was always doubted. People always told me I would never make it to college because of the type of high school I went to. Yet, I accomplished my first goal and became a student-athlete on a full athletic scholarship. I graduated, and now it is time to accomplish my next goal of making an active roster of an NFL team and help my team win games.
Joe Gaiter: What will you miss most about playing college ball?
Corey Winfield: I will definitely miss the atmosphere on game day, especially in the Dome. I will miss prepping throughout the week with my brothers to dominate and win on Saturdays. I’ll miss going back to the locker room and celebrating a hard-fought win with my college teammates. However, I am ready to become part of a new team and brotherhood as we make history each Sunday.
Joe Gaiter: What would you tell yourself if you could go back to your freshman year?
Corey Winfield: If I could go back to my freshman year I would tell myself to never take anything for granted, to give 110% in everything you do because it will pay off eventually.
Joe Gaiter: What is your motivation on the field?
Corey Winfield: My motivation is my family and friends because they have been my biggest supporters and strongest advocates. They have believed in my football dreams ever since I was a young boy. Every time I step on the field I think about them and give my all for them and my teammates.
Joe Gaiter: Have you reached your athletic peak?
Corey Winfield: No, I have not reached my athletic peak just yet because there’s always room for improvement to get stronger, faster and better my craft.
Joe Gaiter: What is one quote that you live by?
Corey Winfield: Remember there is someone trying to work just as hard as you or trying to work harder than you.
Joe Gaiter: Do you have a backup if you don’t get drafted?
Corey Winfield: If I do not get drafted or picked up by a team as a free agent, I would like to go back to school for a master’s in graphic design. During this time, I would like to work as GA at a Division I, Power Five football program.
Joe Gaiter: Who is your agent and why did you chose them?
Corey Winfield: I do not have an agent yet. I’m waiting until after pro day to secure an agent.
Joe Gaiter: When was your Pro Day?
Corey Winfield: It was Thursday, March 29.
Joe Gaiter: Where and how often are you training?
Corey Winfield: Athletic Republic in St. Louis. I train Monday – Friday, twice a day. Once in the morning and once in the evening. On the weekends I do field work.
Joe Gaiter: What do you want your legacy to be?
Corey Winfield: Positive team captain, talented NFL hall of famer, coachable player, determined athlete and faithful believer. Additionally, I want to make a difference in my community and continuously give back.
Joe Gaiter: Final Words/shoutouts?
Corey Winfield: Good luck to all my former teammates as they approach pro day and embark on their next journey.
Twitter: c_xx_w
Instagram: c__xx__w
Highlight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAGMlmGAc28
