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NFL legend issues statement on Travis Hunter's two-way future

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Steven Corder | Last updated May 17, 2025 3:41 PM ET

When Travis Hunter was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars 2nd overall in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the football world instantly asked one question: Can he actually play both ways in the NFL? One man with the credentials to answer—8-time Pro Bowler Patrick Peterson—just did.

On a recent episode of Cam Newton’s “4th and 1” podcast, Peterson didn’t dismiss the idea. But the longtime cornerback made it clear: thriving on both sides of the ball in the pros is an entirely different beast.

“I don’t want to put a cap on Travis. I don’t want to say that he cannot do it… The only difference is going to be between the college level and the NFL level, he’s going to be in a classroom more.”

Travis Hunter. Future NFL HoF Patrick Peterson on #12 Playing Both Ways

"I don't want to put a cap on Travis. The trickiest part is going to be the classroom. We seen he can play both sides at a high level"

️ @4thand1show @P2 https://t.co/jPhDmuQfYa pic.twitter.com/SG5m5x5iam
— JaKi (@JaKiTruth) May 16, 2025

Peterson, who entered the league as the No. 5 overall pick in 2011, knows firsthand the mental demands of an NFL playbook. And that’s exactly where he sees the biggest challenge for Hunter—splitting time between offensive and defensive meetings.

“How he’s going to be able to have all of his attention in both places… that’s going to be the trickiest part,” Peterson said.

Buffs fans watched Hunter stun the college world in 2024, playing over 1,460 combined snaps for Colorado under Deion Sanders. He racked up 1,258 receiving yards with 15 touchdown receptions on offense while adding 35 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 11 pass deflections while winning multiple awards, including the Heisman Trophy for the most outstanding player in the NCAA. At the college level, he was electric. But NFL game-planning is a different monster.

“It’s not going to be like college where we’re going to run what we run because we’re good at it,” Peterson added. “It’s going to be a game plan every single week.”

Still, if anyone can break the mold, it’s Travis Hunter. His raw talent is undeniable—and he’s already turned skeptics into believers once before.

So what’s next for Colorado’s two-way phenom turned pro? Jaguars fans may be dreaming big, but Peterson’s warning is clear: mastering one position in the NFL is tough enough. Doing two? That takes unprecedented focus, football IQ, and durability.

And yet… so far, Travis Hunter’s made the impossible look routine.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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