Colorado Swiss Army knife Travis Hunter is one of the most unique prospects in NFL history, no matter where he ends up. The consensus top wide receiver and top cornerback in the 2025 NFL Draft, Hunter has a chance to carve out a rare place in league history as one of the few modern two-way players.
While we’re a long way from knowing what kind of career Hunter will have, it’s worth setting the table to see the type of company he could join. Below, we examine the most notable two-way players in NFL history.
For this exercise, we’re focusing on players who contributed on both offense and defense, similar to what Hunter may attempt. Players like Devin Hester and Cordarrelle Patterson made their mark as return specialists and offensive threats, so that’s not the same category.
Who Are the Best Two-Way Players in NFL History?
5) Troy Brown
One of the very few two-way players of the 21st century, Troy Brown spent nearly all of his 15 seasons as a wide receiver for the New England Patriots. However, he cemented his importance to the 2000s Patriots dynasty by playing cornerback in 2004 for an injury-ravaged New England secondary.
Brown took well to the position, tying Tedy Bruschi for second on the team with three interceptions while also adding five passes defended. By that point in his career, he had a smaller role on offense, but his contributions were indispensable to a 14-2 Patriots team that captured its third Super Bowl in four seasons.
Never forget that, on top of catching passes, taking handoffs, returning kicks, and returning punts, Patriots WR Troy Brown also just decided to dabble at cornerback where he had 3 interceptions pic.twitter.com/bKJkYt7RY5
— Andrew Cooper (@CoopAFiasco)
Like some others on this list, Brown was also an ace on special teams. He had three career punt return touchdowns, and his alert scoop-and-lateral off a blocked field goal in the 2001 AFC Championship Game was the defining play in New England’s upset of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
4) Don Hutson
The Green Bay Packers legend is best known as the first great pass catcher in NFL history. Don Hutson was unstoppable before the “wide receiver” label even existed — his position was officially listed as “end.” Hutson led the league in receiving yards seven times in his 11-year career, earning First-Team All-Pro honors in each of his final eight seasons.
After starting his career exclusively on offense, Hutson also played defensive back over his final six years. Even as an older player, he excelled on defense, picking off 30 passes between 1940 and 1945 — including a league-best six interceptions in his first year playing defense.
Hutson’s 30 career interceptions still rank tied for ninth in Packers history — an impressive feat given his limited defensive seasons. If Hunter truly becomes a full-time star at both positions, Hutson might be his most apt historical comparison.
3) Chuck Bednarik
Playing on both sides of the ball is impressive. Playing both ways in the trenches is almost unthinkable today. Chuck Bednarik, a Hall of Famer who spent all 14 of his seasons (1949–62) with the Philadelphia Eagles, started at both linebacker and center.
Bednarik is remembered most for his defensive work. He earned eight Pro Bowl selections and six First-Team All-Pro nods. Toward the end of his career, he focused on offense, but returned to defense during his final two seasons at ages 36 and 37, after Eagles starter Bob Pellegrini suffered a broken leg.
In the 1960 NFL Championship Game, Bednarik sealed Philadelphia’s 17-13 win over the Green Bay Packers by tackling fellow Hall of Famer Jim Taylor at the 8-yard line and keeping him on the ground as time expired.
2) Sammy Baugh
Sammy Baugh is remembered as one of the NFL’s first great quarterbacks. In 16 seasons with Washington (1937–52), “Slingin’ Sammy” threw for 187 touchdowns — a franchise record that still stands. He led the NFL in passing four times and yards per attempt three times.
But Baugh was also a tremendous safety, notching 31 interceptions in his career, which ranks third in franchise history. He led the NFL with 11 picks in 1943 and had two more in that year’s postseason.
And while not relevant to this list, Baugh was also an elite punter — leading the NFL in punting average five times between 1940 and 1945. While many players from that era wouldn’t fit today’s game, Baugh was a rare athlete who likely could.
1) Deion Sanders
Ultimately, Travis Hunter has a lot to live up to if he wants to emulate his Colorado head coach. Deion Sanders is one of the most iconic players in NFL history — a walking highlight reel, known for his swagger and ability to impact the game in all three phases.
“Prime Time” was primarily a cornerback in his 14-year NFL career, and one of the best ever. He intercepted 53 passes — including nine pick-sixes — and earned six First-Team All-Pro honors.
But like Hunter, Sanders could play on the other side of the ball. In 1996, the Cowboys used him on about half their offensive snaps. He caught 36 passes for 475 yards and a touchdown that year.
In 1996, @DeionSanders caught 36 passes for 475 yards, including this touchdown from @TroyAikman. @dallascowboys (Sept. 8, 1996) pic.twitter.com/yeajplS1mj
— NFL Legacy (@NFLLegacy)
For his career, Sanders caught 60 passes for 784 yards and three touchdowns. He also had six punt return touchdowns and three more on kick returns.
And, of course, Sanders was a two-sport athlete. He played in 641 Major League Baseball games over nine seasons for the Braves, Reds, Yankees and Giants. If he had been used as a true two-way NFL player full time, it’s likely he would’ve found similar success — if his body held up.
