Deion Sanders’ son stepped in to correct a narrative aired during ESPN’s Monday Night Football broadcast. It involved Eli Manning commenting on Travis Hunter. The Jacksonville Jaguars‘ rookie has been juggling offense and defense, but questions have swirled about how much Hunter actually practiced as a wide receiver in college.

During ESPN’s broadcast featuring the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars, a discussion about Hunter’s hybrid role ignited new controversy. Manning suggested, “They had a special system where they had signals. The coach would just signal the formation to him and then signal the route to him. So, he just improvised.” 

That didn’t sit well with Deion Sanders Jr. He called out the former quarterback on X, tweeting, “Don’t let them lie to you Mr Manning, he practiced WR & DB equally.” The direct rebuttal came fast and loud, exposing a factual disconnect with a high-stakes implication. Hunter’s offensive growth didn’t start in Jacksonville; it’s rooted deep in Boulder.

The reality? Travis Hunter wasn’t some accidental two-way player winging it on offense in college. His 2024 stats tell a completely different story. Hunter caught 96 passes for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns, leading the Buffaloes alongside quarterback Shedeur Sanders. 

According to reports, Hunter played over 86% of offensive snaps, averaging more than 110 snaps per game, clearly a staple in Colorado’s game plan, not a gimmick piece. His workload and production indicated a player honing skills on both sides with discipline and precision. Hunter’s college tape shows an NFL-ready talent with bona fide two-way skills, debunking the myth that his offensive chops were pure improvisation.

Hunter arriving in the NFL as a Heisman winner and the 2nd overall draft pick proves he’s no greenhorn to offense. His Monday Night Football breakout — a four-catch, 80-yard receiving day paired with defensive action — only reaffirms the two-way foundation built in college. But can Hunter fulfill the expectations set for him?

Expectations for Travis Hunter

The Jaguars selected Hunter with the No. 2 overall pick after trading up four times, hoping for dynamic plays on both sides of the ball like the ones Hunter made for Colorado. Yet, the black-and-white numbers haven’t screamed ‘superstar’ just yet. 

In Week 5, he ranks seventh among rookies in receiving yards per game with 29.5, but has yet to score a touchdown. Defensively, he’s seeing less time but still impacts the game with tackles and pass breakups.

His versatility is impressive, but playing two complex roles simultaneously is no small task. Veteran perspectives on Hunter’s development vary. Some question if the Jaguars expect too much too soon, while others praise Hunter’s mental makeup and effort. 

Jacksonville’s coaching staff admits the workload and usage are a work in progress. “There’s absolutely a push-and-pull of saying, ‘What’s too much? What’s enough?” offensive coordinator Grant Udinski said. “We want to try to maximize, and at the same time optimize, his time on the field.” They’re cautious not to overburden him while still tapping into his unique dual-threat skill set. 

Cornerback Jourdan Lewis noted Hunter isn’t bothered by the challenge. “He’s still a playmaker and he’s getting it done for us and that’s all we can ask for,” Lewis said. The Jaguars see flashes of the potential that made Hunter a college sensation. The goal is clear: find the right balance so Hunter’s unique talents don’t get lost in the shuffle of NFL learning curves.