‘This Dude Doesn’t Break a Sweat’ – Jaguars Star Makes Feelings Clear on Travis Hunter Being a ‘Natural Born Athlete’

After spending the 2024 season in Jacksonville, Arik Armstead has a new defensive partner with the Jaguars’ selection of Travis Hunter. The 31-year-old had much to say about Hunter and his abilities, raving about the team’s No. 2 selection as he brings a lot to the table.

Arik Armstead Gives High Praise to Travis Hunter

Entering the 2025 season, the reigning Heisman winner is looking to do what many haven’t done in the past. Playing both sides of the ball in the NFL is no joke, and there’s no guarantee that Hunter will be able to replicate his college success.

With a ten-year NFL veteran backing him up, it’s clear that the Jaguars organization loves what they’ve seen so far from Hunter.

“It does seem impossible, until you’re around Travis,” Armstead said in regard to him playing both sides of the ball. “I think one of the most impressive things about him is he’s out there and doing it, but it’s hot in Jacksonville. We sweatin’, and this dude doesn’t break a sweat. We look at him, he’s smooth, he’s very elastic, and everything comes very naturally to him. He’s just a natural-born athlete.”

He continued, “When you look at playing both sides of the football, his schedule is crazy. Two days he’s on offense, and then he pops up in our meetings. He’ll make a crazy interception and then go on offense and score a touchdown.”

The heat in Jacksonville is no joke, as the Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are forced to practice in the Florida heat. That’s not to say that it isn’t hot for other teams, but it’s a vast difference compared to Hunter’s time in Colorado.

In his first season with the Jags, Armstead finished the season with 29 total tackles, his highest total since his career high of 63 back in 2021. This was the first season where Armstead played in 17 games since the 2021 season, a year where he also finished with a career high of 6 sacks. He had a pair last season, but that was a sharp decrease from his five in 2023.

After a 4-13 season, it’s clear that Jacksonville needs help on both sides of the ball. While they won two of their last five games in the season, they only put up 30 combined points in those two wins. They gave up 30+ points in six games last season, and found a way to lose three games when the defense gave up 20 points or less. Hunter and Armstead are two key pieces looking to lead the Jaguars to more than four wins.