Travis Hunter, the former Colorado Buffaloes superstar and 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, has sent shockwaves through the NFL with a bold message about his intentions to revolutionize the game. Selected second overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2025 NFL Draft, Hunter has made it clear he aims to redefine what it means to be a two-way player in the modern NFL. His unprecedented versatility as both a wide receiver and cornerback, combined with his historic college career, has positioned him as one of the most exciting prospects in recent memory.
## A Historic College Career
Hunter’s journey to the NFL is nothing short of legendary. After starting his college career at Jackson State under coach Deion Sanders, Hunter followed Sanders to the University of Colorado in 2023. There, he became a household name, showcasing his rare ability to dominate on both offense and defense. In his final season with the Buffaloes, Hunter recorded 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns on offense, while defensively, he tallied 24 solo tackles, four interceptions, and a game-changing forced fumble in an overtime victory against Baylor.[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Travis_Hunter)[](https://www.cpr.org/2025/04/24/nfl-draft-cu-buffs-hunter-sanders/)
His 2024 season earned him the Heisman Trophy, making him only the second defensive player in history to win the award, following Charles Woodson in 1997. Hunter also became the first player to win both the Chuck Bednarik Award (top defensive player) and the Fred Biletnikoff Award (top wide receiver), cementing his status as a once-in-a-generation talent. He played an astonishing 2,625 snaps over two seasons at Colorado, leading the FBS in snaps in both 2023 and 2024 despite missing nearly five games due to injury.[](https://cubuffs.com/sports/football/roster/travis-hunter/17201)[](https://cubuffs.com/sports/football/roster/travis-hunter/16295)
## A Message to the NFL: “Don’t Make a Mistake”
As the 2025 NFL Draft approached, Hunter made headlines with a clear and confident message to NFL teams: he intends to play both offense and defense at the professional level, and any team that tries to limit him to one side of the ball will regret it. In a viral moment shared across social media, Hunter stated, “Don’t make a mistake,” emphasizing his determination to continue his two-way dominance.
Hunter doubled down on this stance at the NFL Combine, where he told reporters, “I’m just different, I’m a different person. I know I can do it.” He even went as far as saying he would retire from football if the team that drafts him refuses to let him play both ways, a bold declaration that underscores his commitment to his unique skill set.
His former coach, Deion Sanders, backed him up, warning NFL teams, “If you put him on offense in the NFL and you don’t have him on defense, you’re going to look like a fool.” Sanders also noted that Hunter could return to college for another year if teams fail to embrace his two-way aspirations, highlighting the leverage Hunter holds as a top prospect.[](https://www.profootballnetwork.com/travis-hunter-makes-remarks-about-playing-days-colorado/)
## Jacksonville Jaguars Embrace the Vision
The Jacksonville Jaguars, who traded up to secure Hunter with the second overall pick, appear ready to embrace his vision. Hunter revealed that the Jaguars’ coaching staff, including both offensive and defensive coordinators, assured him they would allow him to play both sides of the ball. “They told me they was going to let me go out there and do what I do,” Hunter said, expressing excitement about returning to his home state of Florida to begin his NFL career.[](https://www.cpr.org/2025/04/24/nfl-draft-cu-buffs-hunter-sanders/)
Hunter’s selection marks a historic moment for both him and the Colorado Buffaloes program, as he became the first player in NFL Draft history to be announced at two positions—wide receiver and defensive back. It also represents the highest draft selection for a Buffalo in 50 years, a testament to the impact Hunter and Sanders have had on the program.[](https://www.cpr.org/2025/04/24/nfl-draft-cu-buffs-hunter-sanders/)
## A Game-Changer for the NFL
Hunter’s arrival in the NFL sparks a broader conversation about the feasibility of two-way players in the modern game, where specialization has long been the norm. His ability to excel as both a wide receiver and a cornerback challenges conventional wisdom and could pave the way for a new era of versatile athletes. Analysts are already buzzing about how Hunter’s “unicorn” skill set could reshape game planning and roster construction.[](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10136314-colorados-travis-hunter-is-the-greatest-show-in-college-football)[](https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/nfl/travis-hunter-nfl-draft-offense-defense-rcna200534)
In college, Hunter played over 90% of Colorado’s offensive and defensive snaps, finishing in the top five nationally for receptions and receiving touchdowns while tying for 14th in pass deflections as a cornerback. His game-winning forced fumble against Baylor in overtime showcased his knack for making clutch plays on either side of the ball.[](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10136314-colorados-travis-hunter-is-the-greatest-show-in-college-football)[](https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/nfl/travis-hunter-nfl-draft-offense-defense-rcna200534)
Off the field, Hunter’s character has also won him admiration. He regularly spent hours signing autographs for young fans, raised over $10,000 for Children’s Hospital Colorado through a cleat auction, and even reached out to Colorado State’s Henry Blackburn to curb threats against him after a controversial hit in 2023. His purchase of a house for his mother and younger brother in Savannah, Georgia, further highlights his commitment to family and community.[](https://cubuffs.com/sports/football/roster/travis-hunter/17201)[](https://cubuffs.com/sports/football/roster/travis-hunter/16373)
## What’s Next for Travis Hunter?
As Hunter prepares to take the NFL by storm, all eyes will be on Jacksonville to see how they deploy their dynamic new star. Will he become the first player in decades to consistently play both offense and defense? Can he maintain his college-level production while facing the physical demands of the NFL? One thing is certain: Hunter is determined to prove the doubters wrong, just as he did throughout his college career. “I want to prove them wrong more than I want to prove myself right,” he said in 2024, addressing his critics.
For now, Hunter’s message resonates loud and clear: he’s ready to make history, and the NFL better be ready for him. As he returns to Florida to don the Jaguars’ teal and black, the former Colorado Buffalo is poised to become the league’s next great showman, carrying the hopes of a franchise and the dreams of a fanbase eager to witness his unparalleled talent.
