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Deion Sanders Talks How Travis Hunter is Irreplaceable After Leaving for NFL

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeff Hauser | Last updated May 31, 2025 2:22 PM ET

Asante Samuel welcomed Deion Sanders on his 'Say What Needs to Be Said' Podcast Friday night. The two former NFL cornerbacks cleared the air over a recent online disagreement before diving into a discussion about all things NFL related.

Sanders also opened up about the upcoming 2025 season and being without his kids for the first time. He acknowledged losing Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders to the NFL but remains optimistic, saying the new team may function better and rely less on individual stars.

“The absence of Travis Hunter cannot be replaced, Sanders said. "What Shedeur did for the program, only those inside understand who he was. And as long as he had the ball in his hands, everybody in the country thought we had a chance.”

Hunter was selected No. 2 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2025 NFL Draft. He became the highest drafted cornerback and second-highest drafted wide receiver in NFL history.

As for Sanders, the projected top ten pick took a tumble down the board and eventually went No. 144 overall to the Cleveland Browns. Both Colorado playmakers had their respective jersey numbers retired during CU's spring game in April.

As the episode wrapped up, Sanders invited Samuel to visit Boulder for a game this fall. Samuel accepted and joked about using the “Step Pops” title with Sanders. He'll be the latest former NFL player to roam the sidelines as a guest of Coach Prime. Sanders got the last laugh and teased the perks that come with the role like sneaker and sunglasses drops.

Colorado opens the 2025 schedule against Georgia Tech on August 29 at Folsom Field (8 p.m. ET, ESPN).

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

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