Travis Hunter is the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and one of the most polarizing athletes entering the 2025 NFL Draft. Due to his two-way ability and insistence on playing both wide receiver and cornerback, the Colorado Buffaloes star has become a constant talking point ahead of the draft.
So much so that certified legend and one of the greatest tight ends in the history of the sport, Travis Kelce, even shared his thoughts on Hunter’s viability as a dual threat. However, the outspoken Hunter wasn’t having it, vowing to prove the doubters wrong.
Travis Hunter Vows to Shut Down Travis Kelce’s Comments
With this year’s draft shaping up to be exceptionally unpredictable, much of the focus has fallen on the top 10 picks, most notably Hunter. A player who logged over 80% of snaps for the Buffaloes on both offense and defense, Hunter was a unique force in the collegiate ranks.
As a result, he took home the Heisman Trophy for the 2024 season. At the same time, his draft stock skyrocketed, and he is now seen as a virtual lock for a top-five selection. The PFSN’s latest mock draft has him going fourth overall to the New England Patriots.
But with the physicality of the NFL, doubts about his ability to withstand the wear and tear of playing both ways are understandable. The conversation has become a major topic of discussion, and the Kelce brothers addressed it in a new episode of their podcast, New Heights.
The Kansas City Chiefs star believes there’s a possibility Hunter could manage it. “It’s 100% possible. He’s gonna have to prove that he can do it. Nobody has ever played every single play on both sides.”
However, Kelce thinks Hunter will need limits to avoid burnout. “In the NFL, they’ll have to scheme up around him getting too exhausted.” But realistically, he sees Hunter developing into a full-time cornerback with occasional snaps at receiver.
“I think it’s easier for him to be on the field all the time as a defensive player. And then, offensively, coming in on certain plays.”
But Hunter, who has been firm in his belief that he can play both ways, isn’t backing down.
On the latest episode of “The Travis Hunter Show,” the projected top pick made his mentality clear.
“I have to prove that I can do it. So that’s my main thing. I’mma prove that I’m gonna do it, and I can do it.” However, he also respected Kelce’s perspective.
“He’s not telling no lie. I still got to prove it.” Later in the video, he reiterated, “He’s not sugarcoating it, and that’s exactly what I’m gonna do.”
Whether the two-way experiment succeeds or not, you have to respect the mentality Hunter is bringing to the league.
Kelce’s NFL Future
Kelce made headlines following the season when he announced definitively that he would return in 2025. Following the Chiefs loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 59, rumors swirled that Kelce could finally end his illustrious career. The three-time Super Bowl champ was named a First-Team All-Pro four times over his 12-year NFL journey.
After being drafted in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Kelce has piled up over 12,000 receiving yards and 79 career touchdowns, all for Kansas City.
Hunter will get at least one season in the league with Kelce to show his talent. But it might not be long before Kelce makes his media career a full-time gig and says goodbye to the league that made him a household name.