Travis Hunter Declares He’ll Only Play Both Positions in NFL

BOULDER, Colo. — In a striking declaration, wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter made it clear that he will only continue playing football if he gets to fulfill his passion for both positions professionally. The Heisman Trophy winner spoke with CBS Sports ahead of the NFL draft, stating he is adamant about not sacrificing one role for another.

“It’s never playing football again,” Hunter said. “I love being on the football field. I feel like I could dominate on each side of the ball, so I really enjoy doing it.” Hunter’s dual prowess has set him apart, making him a unique prospect as he heads into the 2025 NFL Draft.

At just 21 years old, Hunter has already made history. According to CBS Sports Research, he is the only player in Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) history since 1978 to record at least 1,000 receiving yards, 10 receiving touchdowns, and three interceptions in a single season. In 2024, he participated in 713 offensive snaps and 748 defensive snaps, establishing himself as the only player since 2017 to play over 250 snaps on both sides of the ball in a season.

While he recognizes the challenges he will face in the NFL, Hunter remains confident. “I just feel very confident in myself,” he said. “I have a competitive spirit that drives me to do whatever I put my mind to.” He indicated that the mental demands of excelling as a two-way player will be more formidable than the physical toll of high snap counts.

Hunter has benefitted from mentorship under Deion Sanders, a Pro Football Hall of Famer considered one of the greatest corners in the game’s history. “It’s been a blessing learning from the best in that position,” Hunter expressed, referring to Sanders’ guidance. “He reminds me to be present and enjoy every moment on the field.”

Sanders, who also serves as the coach at Hunter’s alma mater, praised his protégé’s unique ability to excel on both sides of the ball. “The NFL is a slow game,” Sanders said during Colorado‘s Pro Day. “Hunter is built for this.” He went on to emphasize the advantages of NFL’s play tempo compared to college, suggesting Hunter’s conditioning will not be an issue as he transitions to the professional level.

Hunter finished his last collegiate season by leading the FBS in several key statistics, including ranking tied for second in receiving touchdowns with 15, fourth in receptions with 96, and fifth in receiving yards with 1,258. He also tallied four interceptions and a forced fumble, showcasing his versatility.

Interest from NFL teams is already evident. Multiple executives, including Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam and head coach Kevin Stefanski, attended Colorado’s Pro Day. Yet, Hunter remains focused on finding a franchise willing to support his two-way ambitions, stating, “It’s up to them to want me on their team.”

Hunter understands that draft position is uncertain but believes he deserves to be one of the top picks. “If it was up to me, I’d be the first overall pick,” he stated confidently, acknowledging his standout performance in college.

Although teams like the Browns view Hunter primarily as a receiver, he is intent on proving he can excel as both. General Manager Andrew Berry confirmed their interest in Hunter, emphasizing the unique opportunity he represents as a dual-threat player.

In the midst of preparing for the draft, Hunter, who enjoys fishing in his spare time, is determined to embrace the moment. “It’ll just be a blessing to walk on stage as an NFL draft pick,” he said. “I’ll be the first person in my family to achieve this, and my siblings look up to me.”

To celebrate his dual identity as both receiver and cornerback, Hunter has partnered with Snickers Ice Cream to launch a special “Two-Pack,” representing his commitment to both positions. “It’s one ice cream bar for me being a receiver, and the chocolate bar for me being a corner. You get the best of both worlds in one package,” he explained.