Colorado Buffaloes star Travis Hunter has his eyes set on a lengthy NFL career, as revealed in a recent clip from his show with Overtime. The two-way phenom, projected to be a top pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, shared his aspirations and motivations for playing professional football.
Travis Hunter Reveals His Goals For Playing In The NFL
In the Instagram post, Hunter stated, “I want to be the first person in my family to make it to the NFL.” When 2003 Offensive Rookie of the Year Anquan Boldin asked Hunter what he’s most excited about, Hunter replied.
“Playing! I want to be on the field…I just want to play football, the game I love to play. I ain’t care about the money, the deals, people I get to meet… My goal ain’t to play just one game or one season. I want to play until I can’t play no more.”
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Hunter’s quote reflects an unyielding passion for the game that goes beyond the glitz and glamour of a famous pro athlete. His focus on longevity and his pure love of football is refreshing in an era where financial incentives and off-field opportunities usually hog the spotlight.
As the NFL Draft approaches, Hunter’s stock continues to rise. Many experts project him to be one of the first players selected, with some even speculating he could be the top overall pick.
In late January 2025, Dalton Miller had Hunter landing with the Giants at the third pick, stating, “He’s the most intelligent cornerback since Patrick Surtain, and he just so happens to have the best ball skills in the class as a wide receiver, let alone for cornerbacks. Miller also had Hunter as the top prospect on his Top 100 draft board, noting, “Travis Hunter is one of one. He’s the top cornerback in the NFL Draft, and he’s the best receiver.”
PFSN’s Joe DeLeone thought the Giants would trade up to the first slot to nab Cam Ward and the Titans would then select Hunter at No. 3. In that February mock draft, DeLeone noted that, “His range, hip mobility, and instincts are that of a future All-Pro.”
In early March, Jacob Infante’s 7-round mock draft for PFSN projected the Browns to pick Hunter with the second overall pick. Infante notes, “There hasn’t been a prospect like Travis Hunter in quite some time. While he has potential as a wide receiver at the next level, I like him better in a part-time offensive role to maximize his elite ball skills and fluidity as a cornerback in coverage.”
Following the NFL Scouting Combine, PFSN’s Brentley Weissman had Hunter falling to the New England Patriots at the fourth overall pick. Weissman writes, “Travis Hunter is a unicorn as he is not just the best corner in this class but also the best wide receiver. The Patriots need help at receiver as they lack playmakers for their young quarterback, Drake Maye.”
Hunter’s mentor and college coach, Deion Sanders, enjoyed a 14-year NFL career that culminated in his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction. Hunter’s ambition to surpass Sanders’ accomplishments speaks to his competitive drive and lofty aspirations.
While Hunter focuses on the field, his impact extends beyond it. Coming from a humble background, his inspiring success story makes him all that more appealing. His mother, Ferrante Harris, shared the family’s journey from sleeping on floors to being able to purchase a home through his name, image, and likeness earnings.
With the 2025 NFL Draft on the horizon, Travis Hunter is closing in on his NFL dreams becoming a reality. The rare talent had already made a significant impact on the league, with debates raging about how to utilize him and whether it’s more difficult to be a two-way player in the NFL or the MLB.
NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky compared Hunter to legendary wide receivers Randy Moss and Tyreek Hill. Mina Kimes believes he could be an All-Pro at corner in year one. Shannon Sharpe has his doubts, stating, “I don’t think he realizes how many 100 snaps is in the NFL.”
As Hunter proclaimed about himself, “I’m just different”.