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Travis Hunter aims to add his name to the incredibly short list of two-way NFL athletes. While 22-year-old’s skill on the field is undeniable, Hunter is also headlines for his talent in the classroom.
Hunter completed his NFL Preseason debut with two receptions. He also took some snaps on the defensive side of the ball. But after Pittsburgh Steelers ’31 -25 victory over Jacksonville Jaguars, much of the attention turned to Hunter’s College Grade Point average.
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Jaguar’s wide receives Travis Hunter runs the ball under the 10th organized team activity in the Miller Electric Center, June 4, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida. (Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union)
“I think it’s a 3.7 or 3.9,” Hunter told journalists in April.
Hunter was then asked about the mental difficulties that would come up with being a two -way player. Rookie remained steadfast in his belief that he was ready for the task. “That’s all I have to do is play football and go out there and study and make sure I understand what I’m doing.”
Travis Hunter from Jaguars before the Forsy Season match against Pittsburgh Steelers at Everbank Stadium on August 9, 2025 in Jacksonville. (Logan Bowles/Getty Images)
Two-way NFL players have been a rarity. Chuck Bednarik was the league’s last two-way athlete full time. Bednarik was a linebacker and offensive lineman for Philadelphia Eagles from 1949-62.
Sammy Baugh and Don Hutson are also remarkable former two -way stars. Baugh was a quarterback, defensive back and punter. Huston spent his entire NFL career with Green Bay Packers, where he played the recipient and security. Later he had a stint as a Packer’s assistant coach.
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First-year Jaguars head coach Liam Coen liked what he saw from Hunter as he got up on the offensive side of the ball. The coach also suggested that there was room for improvement on the defensive side.
“He made a few good catches on some options and missed one tackle defensively, as I noticed,” Coen said.
“I have to see the tape on how he operated defensively a little more, but I thought offensively, he made the right decisions about these options. Went a good catch, almost broke out of it, where Trevor put it behind him on the third down, we talked about, but I have to see the tape a little more to know more.”
Jaguar’s wide receives Travis Hunter reception under Rookie MiniCamp, 10 May 2025, in Jacksonville. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Hunter, who was once a much sought -after recruitment of high school, started his career in Jackson State. Then he followed Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders to Colorado.
Hunter won Heisman Trophy last December. He gave a heartfelt acceptance of the Lincoln Center in New York City and thanked his friends, teammates and his father.
“I want to say something to my dad. He is not here. But I know you are watching on TV,” said the star of the two -way. “Dad, I love you. All the things you went through, man. Look now at your oldest son. I did it for you, man. All the times you don’t get to see me and the times you came to see my games. From probably two games in high school to watch me on TV every weekend and come to me, man, it means so much to me.”
In April, Jaguars used the second total draft election to bring Hunter’s talents to Jacksonville. New Orleans Saints host Jaguars on August 18 in the second week of the trial of the season’s action.
Jaguars welcome Carolina Panthers on September 7 to open the regular season.
