2 min read • February 18, 2025
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Travis Hunter has emerged as a remarkable two-way college football player, excelling at wide receiver and cornerback positions. He is a projected top-3 pick in this year’s NFL Draft. His journey, however, has been marked by some notable injuries. Are they a cause for long-term concern?
After transferring to the University of Colorado in 2023, Hunter suffered a lacerated liver from a late hit during a game. The injury forced him to miss three games. According to Pro Football Doc, a lacerated liver is a significant trauma, but there are no long-term worries as the liver regenerates and completely heals. Despite the setback, he still delivered an impressive performance, recording 57 receptions for 721 yards and five touchdowns on offense while also impacting the defense with 30 total tackles and three interceptions.
In 2024, Hunter suffered a shoulder injury during a game against Kansas State. Hunter left the game and did not return. The following week, Hunter played in the first half vs. Arizona but was rested in the 2nd half in what Colorado Head Coach Deon Sanders called a precaution: "He didn’t want to come off the field. You know how he is. But I’m proud of him. The kid is phenomenal. He’s a competitor, and he just wanted to play.” Specific medical details about the exact nature of Hunter's shoulder injury were not publicly disclosed. The following week, Hunter played with no restrictions, totalling a season high 153 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He finished the season with standout numbers: 92 receptions for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns on offense, along with 32 total tackles and four interceptions on defense. His performance earned him the prestigious Heisman Trophy, making him just the second player in Colorado’s history to receive the award. According to Pro Football Doc, there are no concerns about lingering issues with his shoulder.
Travis Hunter’s ability to excel on both sides of the ball is rare, but can he sustain that versatility at the next level? The challenges of playing both wide receiver and cornerback in the NFL are immense, but so is the potential impact.
Football legends like Deion Sanders and Roy Green have dabbled in dual roles, but maintaining elite performance on both sides of the ball long-term is virtually unheard of in the modern era. The speed, physicality, and specialization of today’s game make it an uphill battle.
Hunter has the skill set to challenge convention, but his success as a two-way NFL player will depend on team strategy, injury management, and his ability to handle the relentless demands of the league. Will he redefine the modern two-way player, or will the NFL’s grind force him to specialize? Time will tell.
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