EXCLUSIVE: Juwann Winfree bonding with Colts' winning culture
Juwann Winfree went to Indianapolis in search of a bigger role. The former Packers wide receiver signed a one-year deal with the Colts after spending the past three years in Green Bay. The former Buffs standout is in an ideal situation being paired with rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, along with first-year head coach Shane Steichen.
Winfree adds versatility to the Colts lineup in his fifth NFL season. Being with Aaron Rodgers for a majority of his time in the league set the bar on what he expects from the quarterback position, which in return will help with Richardson's development. The raw prospect from Florida has all the intangibles of a future NFL star, but there's one characteristic that stands out with Richardson, and it's similar to Rodgers.
"The fact that I spent three years in Green Bay, I'm critical of the quarterback play," Winfree said. "Aaron Rodgers was the best of the best. He showed how to play football at an elite level. That's what I've been around, and that's what I've seen every day.
"I think that the similarity between Rodgers and Richardson is definitely arm strength. Anthony is much bigger and faster than Aaron, but the arm strength is there. And that's what you're going to need to be able to win these games in the NFL and be able to be a high-caliber offense."
When Steichen left Philadelphia as the Eagles offensive coordinator, he was credited with building NFL MVP runner-up Jalen Hurts into one of the league's top QB's. He's now faced with another project and looks to bring Richardson's skillset to the next level with a "Hurts 2.0" model, if you will. The Colts are also set up nicely with Winfree in an underrated wide receiver room. All key factors for Steichen and Richardson to work with in unison.
"I was very impressed with hurts' success," Winfree noted. "Jalen's overall progression was amazing, and it's not easy being a young black quarterback in this league. So, you know, I think you definitely got to make that same type of transition with Anthony."
Steichen's vision is already taking shape in Indy. Winfree describes the 38-year-old as a true player's coach and sees big accomplishments on the horizon for the Colts franchise.
"He has all the characteristics to be a good head coach," Winfree said. "This year is going to be a testament to it. I like the attitude he brings to the team. He's been around a winning culture in Philadelphia. He's done at a high level as well. He knows what he's doing in order to be a successful coach. You have to be a player's coach, and every coach gets their set differently. But, you have to be able to relate with the players."
Steichen is one of the few NFL coaches trying to break away from the league's old school roots. Another one with similar traits that comes to mind is Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. The two are part of the "under 40" crowd with Rams' Sean McVay, setting the tone by becoming the youngest to win a Super Bowl three years ago. It's a formula the Colts hope to emulate in the coming years.
Winfree says the change in culture with Steichen was immediate this off-season and a difference maker for the team.
"We got out of one of our practice camps during OTA's and went bowling," Winfree said. "Some of the players are like, we've never done that before. Those are some of the things that help build the camaraderie.
"You have players that want to listen to you and want to be behind you. You take care of them. You're doing all these types of things that create a winning culture. It was that way in Green Bay, too. It brings the team together. You'll play for a coach like that. I think that he's starting off in the right direction."
Winfree recently paid a visit to another player's coach during his return to Boulder. The NFL vet is astonished by Deion Sanders' initial months at Colorado and excited to see how recruiting efforts have changed.
"It's crazy. Never in a million years would I think CU's spring game would be sold out," Winfree said. "Coach Prime is starting to recruit all these kids down South and from the East Coast. It's definitely a different vibe from anything that they've experienced. Colorado is getting the attention it deserves."
Winfree has spent part of the off-season training in Sanders' home state of Florida. A new transition for the veteran wideout as he'll report to training camp in less than two weeks.