Travis Hunter is determined to show that he’s capable of handling everything.
Travis Hunter is ready to make a statement in the NFL. The Colorado
Buffaloes star, known for his remarkable ability to dominate on both offense
and defense, has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft—and he’s bringing a bold
message with him: he plans to continue playing both ways at the next level.
On a recent Zoom call with the media, Hunter explained his decision to pursue
a dual-role career in the NFL, despite the doubters who question the feasibility
of such a path. “They said I couldn’t [play both ways] in college,” Hunter
shared, referencing the skepticism he faced as he embarked on his unique
college football journey. “I ended up doing it in college. So a lot of people
telling me I can’t do it in the NFL, but I’m still gonna do it in the NFL.”
The 21-year-old cornerback and wide receiver made an immediate impact
during his time with the Buffaloes, turning heads with his ability to shine in
both positions. He’s accumulated impressive statistics this season, tallying 74
receptions for 911 yards and nine touchdowns while also making his mark
defensively with three interceptions and eight passes defended. Hunter has
played a total of 1,176 snaps this season, split nearly evenly between offense
(590 snaps) and defense (586 snaps)—a testament to his incredible stamina
and skill.
Despite the undeniable success Hunter has had, the question remains: Can a
player truly succeed as a two-way talent in the NFL? The role of a dual-
position player is often viewed as a rarity in the modern league, and history
suggests that full-time two-way players are the exception, not the rule. While
players like Los Angeles Chargers fullback/defensive lineman Scott Matlock
have played both sides of the ball, they’ve done so in a much more limited
capacity. Matlock, for example, played 214 offensive snaps and 85 defensive
snaps this season, according to Pro Football Reference—nothing close to the
dual-role workload Hunter is handling at Colorado.
In fact, very few players in recent years have been given the chance to make a
serious impact on both sides of the ball. The list of NFL players who have lined
up as two-way performers is short, with many of them taking on situational
roles rather than committing to full-time dual-duty. Even Hall of Famer
Champ Bailey, who occasionally lined up as a wide receiver during his 15
seasons with the Washington Commanders and Denver Broncos, did so on a
limited basis. Hunter’s commitment to excelling at both positions is a rare
feat, one that sets him apart from the vast majority of players in the league.
Despite his extraordinary numbers, some football experts believe Hunter’s
ambition to play both ways in the NFL may be more trouble than it’s worth.
Legendary cornerback Champ Bailey himself weighed in on the issue,
cautioning that the demands of the NFL may make it impossible for any player
to excel at both positions. In an interview with ESPN’s Domonique Foxworthy,
Bailey explained, “Now, you could be a special kind of guy, come in, run a few
plays. OK, that’s fine, but don’t try to do both at a high level… You better pick
one, or you’re going to get exposed.”
ESPN’s Matt Miller echoed a similar sentiment, suggesting that while Hunter
might begin his NFL career as a two-way player, it may be in his best interest
to focus on one position eventually—most likely wide receiver. “Hunter could
start as a two-way player, but should eventually switch to WR,” Miller said,
noting that specializing could maximize Hunter’s potential in the long term.
Yet Hunter remains undeterred, using the skepticism surrounding his dual
ambitions as fuel for his drive. “Nobody has stopped me from doing it this far,”
he said confidently. “I believe I can keep doing it, and I like it when people can
tell me I can’t do it because it just motivates me to continue to do what I want
to do.”
Hunter’s passion and determination are clear, but the question of whether he
can maintain his two-way success at the NFL level remains to be seen. The
physical toll of playing both ways at the highest level could lead to increased
wear and tear on his body, which may ultimately limit his long-term potential.
However, his track record so far indicates that Hunter isn’t one to shy away
from challenges.
The idea of a true two-way player may be a relic of the past, but Travis Hunter
is rewriting the script. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, it’s clear that he
intends to make an impact—whether on offense, defense, or both. The NFL
has always been a league defined by innovation, and if Hunter’s fearless
pursuit of dual roles succeeds, he may very well pave the way for future players
to follow in his footsteps. Time will tell if his unique vision for his career
becomes the new norm, but one thing is certain: Travis Hunter is ready to
prove that he can do it all.
