Definitely, the former Colorado Buffaloes two-way phenom, Travis Hunter, is celebrated for what he has brought to the gridiron. He brilliantly managed his talents both as a wide receiver and a cornerback. But do you know what, other than his athletic abilities, what made the NFL scouts count on Hunter? His wide, ear-to-ear grin reflects how he is the owner of a pure heart and soul. This time Jacksonville Jaguars got lucky to land the former Buffs star. And already their general manager, James Gladstone, is head-over-heels for Hunter for carrying the Colorado persona with him. While the two-way star remains as bubbly as he has been in Boulder, he now will be away from his best buddy, Shedeur Sanders. But he is happy with the Buffs quarterback finally finding a home.
If one had followed Gladstone’s pre-draft news conference, they might have noted some of his favorite phrases- “intangibly rich,” “deeper alignment,” “pure collaboration,” and so on and so forth. After all, the 34-year-old had learned from the best, the longtime Los Angeles GM Les Snead. So, as planned, the Jaguars made one of the biggest splashes of the draft. How far did they go to find the player who comes off as the perfect package and ticks off all the boxes? Jacksonville traded up three spots to select two-way Colorado star Hunter at No. 2. Yes, the oomph factor got to be there, particularly after their disappointing season. By now, they have lost their spark and need someone to ignite it. And who better than Hunter?
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 28: Defensive back Travis Hunter of the Colorado Buffalos poses for a portrait at the Indiana Convention Center on February 27, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)
While the two-way star is yet to put down his guards and show his real version, he has already left a strong impression on Gladstone. On April 26, right after drafting him, the GM met the press. He said, “I don’t think it takes much to see that Travis has gravitational pull. He’s got a smile that’ll light up a room and there it is. Let it shine, but it is certainly something that most everybody that I’ve come in contact with who has experienced a session with Travis, says very similar things.” Well, we have seen how Hunter takes no time to make new places feel like home. We have seen how the two-way star had broken the wall that normally exists between coaches and players.
Hunter has been Deion Sanders’ biggest partner as they shared a common hobby, that is, fishing. On one such fishing spree, Hunter had defeated Coach Prime. The end result? Hunter:10 and Deion:3! Yes, in that way, the Buffs HC had been the two-way star’s biggest competitor. But at the same time, Hunter made Deion feel special by gifting him a fishing gear. And how could we forget how Hunter tried to steal Coach Prime’s fishing boat at first and then his sneakers? Interestingly, the player was successfully able to bring that fun element in his play as well. The result? He wrapped up his 2024 chapter with 1984 yards and 20 touchdowns. As he is all set to prep for a fresh start, he is missing the boy who made his Boulder stay all fun.
Travis Hunter left with mixed emotions as he put on the Jacksonville jersey
Well, we have often spotted the hunter-Shedeur duo nitpicking each other. Of course, it’s their way of having fun. But they have been each other’s pillars of strength in Boulder. So, they have been through the thick and thin of each other’s journey. From Jackson State to Colorado Buffaloes, it has been a long journey indeed. So, it must have pained Hunter a little to find out that Shedeur had to wait till Round 5 while the Jaguars took him at No.2
The Heisman Trophy winner had already met with his new team in Florida, where he did an epic welcome dance by the time his buddy was selected on April 26, Saturday. The ex-Buffs two-way phenom was visibly upset when his friend didn’t go No. 9 overall to the New Orleans Saints. He was even on FaceTime on Day 1 in a touching gesture of support for his good friend. Finally, when the good news came that Shedeur is going to Cleveland, Hunter was truly thrilled. While travelling with fiancée Leanna Lenee in the car, the player was on FaceTime.
“Yes sir, my boy Shedeur to the Browns, let’s get it, let’s get it, i see, i see, let’s get it,” Travis Hunter flashed his signature smile to the camera. Meanwhile, the Draft Day left him with some priceless memories. While his dad, Travis Hunter Sr., missed his big moment lifting the Heisman Trophy, he was there for the Draft Day. Hunter sealed the moment with a heartfelt speech. “It meant a lot for my dad to be here tonight. He wasn’t at the Heisman [ceremony] but he got to see his first son walk and then the younger sibling and his family happy.”
Watch out, Jacksonville, Hunter’s bringing the sparkle and making it his own!
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