Travis Hunter makes NFL history in his 2025 debut by playing both wide receiver and cornerback for the Jaguars. Read the full NFL debut breakdown, two-way star context, and why Hunter may redefine pro football.
Historic Two-Way Debut
- What happened: In his first NFL preseason game (August 9, 2025), Travis Hunter—the Jacksonville Jaguars’ No. 2 overall pick and 2024 Heisman Trophy winner—made a rare two-way debut, playing 10 snaps on offense and 8 on defense. He recorded two catches for nine yards, but struggled slightly on defense with a missed tackle.
- Historical significance: Hunter is now one of very few modern players to log meaningful snaps on both sides of the ball, reviving a practice largely abandoned decades ago in the NFL.
The Man Behind the Headlines: Travis Hunter’s Path to the NFL
- College legend: At Colorado, Hunter dominated both as wide receiver and cornerback—winning the Heisman Trophy, Walter Camp Award, Fred Biletnikoff Award, Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, and more. He logged over 1,500 total snaps in 2024, unparalleled in modern college football.
- Draft Day: His athletic versatility earned him the No. 2 overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Crafting NFL History: The Two-Way Experiment
- Official depth chart: Hunter entered his first preseason listed as a starting WR and backup CB—a rare dual role. Jaguars leadership praised his stamina and ability to “change the math.”
- Expert assessment: NFL analyst Bucky Brooks called Hunter potentially destined to revolutionize how the league deploys two-way players, citing his elite instincts and ball skills.
- Collegiate workload: Hunter averaged over 117 snaps per game in college, far exceeding any other player—demonstrating the physical capacity for a two-way pro role.
Debut Game Breakdown: Hunters’ First Steps in 2025
- On offense: Hunter ran 10 snaps, catching two passes (one for six yards, another for three). He demonstrated keen route selection and composure for a rookie.
- On defense: He entered as a cornerback briefly, showing solid coverage, though he missed an open-field tackle on Kaleb Johnson. Overall, coaches appreciated his “alignment and decision-making.”
- Film review promised: Coach Liam Coen highlighted that defensive evaluation would come after more film study.
Travis Hunter shared his thoughts on his preseason debut against the Steelers. https://t.co/aRvtN4FG9R
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) August 10, 2025
Why It Matters — NFL Context & Legacy Potential
- NFL History: True two-way players in the modern era are nearly extinct; Hunter now joins a tiny, elite list of professionals doing it at the highest level.
- Jaguars’ vision: The organization is betting that Hunter’s versatility can become an X-factor—unlocking mismatch opportunities and strategic unpredictability.
- Roster implications: His one-of-a-kind skill set could influence his usage patterns, roster flexibility, and the broader tactical landscape of NFL schemes.
Off-Field Notes & Iconic Narrative
- Lifestyle & persona: Hunter has captured public attention not just for his skill, but also for his opulent lifestyle and heartfelt public moments—like surprising his mother during preseason.
- Legacy in Boulder: Colorado Buffaloes retired his No. 12 jersey and Shedeur Sanders’ No. 2 — honoring their impact.