When the Jacksonville Jaguars traded up to the second pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to select Travis Hunter, the team was adding one of the most prolific players the league has seen in two-way stars as he can play both cornerback and wide receiver.
Hunter looked incredible as he finished the 2024 season with 96 receptions for 1,258 yards (13.1 yards per catch) with 15 receiving touchdowns as well as two carries for five yards (2.5 yards per attempt) and a rushing touchdown offensively. In addition, he recorded 36 total tackles (25 solo, 11 assisted) with a tackle for loss, four interceptions, one forced fumble, and 11 pass deflections while never being taken off the field.
While he has been a superstar at the collegiate level, there have been some who are questioning whether Hunter can dominate at the NFL level and keep showcasing his abilities, including one notable name.
Cam Newton Questions if Travis Hunter Can Stay Focused in Jacksonville
There are some people who seemingly have trouble adjusting to the limelight and instead, begin to focus on things outside of football and that destroys their ability to be the best player they can be. However, others are able to block out distractions and continue on dominating.
On his ‘4th & 1‘ podcast, former NFL MVP Cam Newton questioned if the reigning Heisman Trophy winner will be able to stay focused on football while playing with the Jaguars.
“Imma tell you the biggest fear I have for Travis Hunter, will he be focused in Duval? His family stays in Savannah (Georgia), three hours. Now the distractions come by the metro ton. Can he stay focused through it all? He’s been a guy who’s done everything correct, contrary to what some believe… we don’t hear no riff-raff about Travis Hunter.”
Can you stay on track when the hype is louder than ever? @CameronNewton on Travis Hunter being drafted by the Jaguars pic.twitter.com/K23DKW0WeA
— 4th&1 with Cam Newton (@4thand1show) May 1, 2025
This is certainly a question that we can ask a lot of budding stars in sports, but the question still remains. This is the first time that Hunter is playing at a prime destination as Jackson, MO and Boulder, CO, are not swarming with the attractions and off-the-field situations that Jacksonville, FL, have to offer.
However, Hunter has proven to stay focused on the football field and seemingly is not into the flashy lifestyle or things of the nature that Hunter could be distracted with. In terms of family, there was a closeness with the Sanders family that will still be present, but even with his family being a few hours away, that does not mean they are going to distract him from his NFL duties.