Travis Hunter, the electrifying two-way Heisman Trophy winner from the University of Colorado, has made headlines with his unwavering stance on playing both sides of the ball. When asked if an NFL team would only let him play one side of the ball, Hunter had an intriguing and eye-opening response.
Travis Hunter Said What About Retirement?
Travis Hunter is one of the most coveted non-quarterback NFL Draft prospects in a long time. This is mainly due to Hunter’s ability to dominate both at wide receiver and cornerback, which is exactly what he did at Colorado. This led Hunter to have an interesting response when asked about only playing one side of the ball in the NFL, “It’s never playing football again…Because I’ve been doing it my whole life, and I love being on the football field. I feel like I could dominate on each side of the ball.” This could be an eye-opening response for NFL teams, especially ones that would prefer Hunter to only play one side of the ball.
Impactful Collegiate Career
Travis Hunter’s college career was nothing short of historic. In the 2024 season, he amassed 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns as a receiver. Defensively, he recorded four interceptions, 11 pass breakups, and 35 total tackles. His exceptional performance earned him the Heisman Trophy. Hunter became the first player to win both the Biletnikoff Award (top receiver) and the Bednarik Award (top defender) in the same season.
Hunter’s impact extended beyond statistics. He played over 1,200 snaps in 2024, showcasing unparalleled stamina and dedication. His ability to excel on both sides of the ball draws comparisons to legends like Deion Sanders, who also mentored and coached Travis Hunter during his time at Jackson State and Colorado. From highlight-reel catches to game-saving pass breakups, Hunter consistently proved himself to be one of the most dynamic players in college football.
NFL Draft
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, teams are evaluating how Hunter’s dual-role aspirations fit into their strategies. The Cleveland Browns, holding the No. 2 pick, are one of the teams projected to select Hunter, valuing his versatility and playmaking ability. Meanwhile, the New York Giants, with the No. 3 pick, would also consider Hunter if he is still on the board. Other teams in need of a wide receiver or shutdown cornerback, such as the Arizona Cardinals and the New England Patriots, could also consider trading up to acquire him, depending on how the draft board falls.
Hunter’s insistence on playing both positions presents a unique challenge and opportunity for NFL teams. Embracing his dual role could redefine positional norms and offer a strategic advantage. However, it also requires careful management to ensure his longevity and effectiveness on the field. Many teams will be very hesitant to grant Travis Hunter his wish of playing wide receiver and cornerback. Teams will need to consider how to rotate him, manage his workload, and create schemes that allow him to thrive in both roles. For example, if selected by the Browns, Hunter will likely play more offense than defense. Cleveland needs much more help on the offensive side of the ball, especially at wide receiver, whereas their defense is a top ten unit in the league.
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