Greatest Viking Of All Time Tournament: (3) Antoine Winfield vs (11) Robert Griffith

We continue to push through the second round of our Greatest Viking Of All Time Tournament in an effort to fill out our Sweet 16. This match-up features two hard-hitting defensive backs battling it out for the right to take on Jared Allen in the next round.

Antoine Winfield

Alma Mater: THE. . .dramatic pause. . .Ohio State University
Acquired by Vikings: Signed as free agent prior to 2004 season
Seasons in Minnesota: 9 (2004-2012)
Position: Cornerback
How He Got Here: Defeated Warren Moon 147-6 in Round 1

One of my earliest internet memories as a Vikings fan was tracking the saga of the signing of Antoine Winfield. He was all but delivered to the New York Jets until Red McCombs' private jet swooped in, brought him to Minnesota, and allowed Mike Tice and company to convince him to sign. A huge fan favorite with the Vikings because of his toughness and his tackling ability, he also recorded 21 interceptions for the Vikings. He was a three-time Pro Bowler, and was a first-team All-Pro in 2008.

Robert Griffith

Alma Mater: San Diego State University
Acquired by Vikings: Signed as undrafted free agent before 1994 NFL season
Seasons in Minnesota: 8 (1994-2001)
Position: Safety
How He Got Here: Defeated Eric Sugarman 137-57 in Round 1

After playing mainly on special teams during his first two years with the Vikings, Griffith landed the starting safety spot in 1996. Though he was known more as a hard-hitting safety, Griffith did manage to collect 17 interceptions during his six years as a defensive starter for the Vikings. He also collected 7.5 sacks during his Vikings' career, including four in 1999, which is pretty good for a safety. Griffith was a two-time All-Pro as a Viking as well. He finished his career by signing a one-day contract to retire as a Minnesota Viking.

If you need a primer on how the voting for our contest works, we have one for you at this link here. Remember, rec the comments to register your vote. Putting "Vote - Name" in the subject line of a post does not count.

If you want to vote for Antoine Winfield, rec the comment that says "Vote - Antoine Winfield"
If you want to vote for Robert Griffith, rec the comment that says "Vote - Robert Griffith"

Voting is open for 24 hours, just like always, folks. Have at it!