Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter, the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, isn’t waiting around to announce himself. In his very first NFL game, the former Colorado star showed exactly why there’s been so much hype around him. The two-way talent didn’t just put in a promising, star-like performance; he made sure his name went straight into the NFL record books.
Hunter registered 44 snaps on offense and six on defense in Sunday’s 26-10 win over the Carolina Panthers, becoming just the second player in the past decade to log at least 30 offensive snaps and five defensive snaps in the same game.
Hunter also recorded six receptions for 33 yards and a tackle in the game. Even though these numbers may not jump off the stat sheet, his overall impact was undeniable. Playing both wide receiver and cornerback at the professional level is nearly unheard of, and doing it in your very first game makes it even more remarkable.
While Hunter’s debut grabbed headlines, the Jaguars as a team also looked sharp. They shut down Bryce Young and the Panthers with a strong defensive display and controlled the game on offense to open their season with a convincing 26-10 victory at EverBank Stadium.
The win marked an important milestone for Jacksonville, but for Hunter it also provided the chance to savor a personal debut that was as historic as it was emotional. The rookie absolutely soaked it all in after the win, signing autographs and celebrating with fans. He summed up his mindset simply:
“I was just excited and ready to go out and win with my team and just bring the energy. Every day I say the same thing, I’m trying to bring the energy, bring the guys up, and make sure we stay true to ourselves.”
Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence also praised his new teammate after the game, saying Hunter was “a weapon in space” who is only going to get better. Head coach Liam Coen, who was overseeing his first win with Jacksonville, also echoed those sentiments:
“Travis Hunter has a rare talent. To contribute on offense and defense at this level is special. We’re excited about what he can do this season.”
The Jaguars now sit at 1-0 alongside the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC South, and they’ll look to build on that momentum in Week 2 with a tough road matchup against Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. If Hunter continues on this trajectory, he could quickly become one of the league’s most influential young stars and a cornerstone of Jacksonville’s campaign.
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Which other players, alongside Travis Hunter, have played 30+ offensive snaps and 5+ defensive snaps in the same game?
Hunter’s accomplishment is significant because it highlights just how rare it is for a player to meaningfully contribute on both sides of the ball in the modern NFL. Very few have managed to balance offensive and defensive snaps at such a level.
Here are five notable names who have pulled it off:
- Deion Sanders – WR/CB (1989-2005)
- Mike Vrabel – LB/FB (1997-2010)
- Troy Brown – WR/DB (1993-2007)
- Randy Moss – WR/DB (1998-2012)
- Warren Sapp – DT/FB (1995-2007)
What makes Hunter’s achievement stand out is the added wrinkle, he is the first player in 20 years to record at least five catches and five defensive snaps in the same game. That balance of usage is virtually unheard of in today’s game.
Travis Hunter’s quality has never been in doubt. He displayed it repeatedly at Colorado under Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders, which ultimately earned him the Jaguars’ trust with the No. 2 overall draft pick. Now, it appears he’s carried that versatility and poise straight into the NFL.
If his Week 1 debut is any indication, Hunter is only scratching the surface. Should he continue to develop at this pace, he could become a defining figure for Jacksonville, not just this season, but for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What record did Travis Hunter break in his NFL debut?
Travis Hunter became the first player in 20 years to record at least five catches and play five or more defensive snaps in the same game, a rare two-way feat in the NFL.
How many snaps did Travis Hunter play in his debut game?
Hunter logged 44 snaps on offense and six snaps on defense in the Jaguars’ 26-10 win over the Panthers.
Why is Travis Hunter’s debut considered historic?
This is because two-way players are nearly nonexistent in the modern NFL, and Hunter managed to contribute as both a wide receiver and a cornerback at a high level in his very first professional game.
Who are some other players who have achieved the two-way feat in the NFL?
Notable names include Deion Sanders, Mike Vrabel, Troy Brown, Randy Moss, and Warren Sapp, though each had specific, often situational, roles unlike Hunter’s balanced usage.
What’s next for Travis Hunter and the Jaguars?
The Jaguars, now 1-0, will face Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. Hunter is expected to continue developing as a unique weapon on both sides of the ball.