Is Travis Hunter really stretching himself thin? Well, if you asked the likes of Richard Sherman in September, Hunter most definitely is. The ‘Legion of Boom’ member apologized but it looks like he may have had a point after all. This hasn’t come through because of the “endurance” aspect, but because Hunter is on the field for far more snaps, leaving him in danger of getting injured.

Case in point: Hasn’t Hunter always been at the forefront of injury lists after every intense game? On September 7 last year, he sustained a lacerated liver after a hit by Colorado defensive back Henry Blackburn, which even required a trip to the hospital mid-game. Against Kansas State on Saturday, the Colorado Buffaloes’ two-way player was forced to exit in the second quarter after a hard hit to his right shoulder by safety Daniel Cobbs, prompting many to worry.

Worry about Hunter spreading himself too thin with Deion Sanders’s willingness to use him on both sides of the ball. And indirectly, worry about his draft stock and career possibly taking a hit due to injuries. Let’s understand one thing though: Hunter could have suffered the hard hit even if he had been playing either ONLY on the offense or ONLY the defense.

2013’s NFL interceptions leader, retired cornerback Sherman, seen as among the best in his era and Hunter’s idol—described the 21-year-old’s WR abilities as “bland.” Hunter’s 8-word reply drew a response from the Super Bowl XLVIII winner with the youngster claiming there was no “negative energy.” Though that was the case, it kick-started a conversation with Deion Sanders’ dear friend, sharing some strong words indicating how difficult a two-way role can be.

In a conversation on the Nightcap podcast on August 31, Chad Johnson pointed out, “What people have to understand is there’s a huge difference in the college [games] and playing the NFL with them grown a– men…the level of competition is so much better.”

The veteran also shelled out a bit of advice was in response to Robert Griffin III’s tweet where he had mentioned how Hunter “can and he SHOULD play both WR and CB in the NFL FULL TIME,”

“I think based on the way the market is if I was him I would want to be a wide receiver in the NFL., because again 30-35 million a year. Now imagine what’s gonna happen after he gets drafted in three years from now. What he gonna be making? It might be 40-45 million!” 

And let us tell you, Shannon Sharpe was definitely not impressed. But before we get to that…

Many also think the two-way role is, in fact, very doable and that many players would’ve excelled at it, had they been given a chance, which an NFL insider pointed out on October 13. Skrip took to X to share his opinion on Travis Hunter’s two-way candidacy in CFB after their Kansas State game, saying, “Travis Hunter is an amazing athlete and super fun to watch, but he’s the product of a system that allows him to play on both sides of the ba-l. You don’t think like Malik Nabers or any other athletic WR could’ve also played CB at the college level?” 

However, fans were far from impressed, it seems, with one tweeting: “They weren’t allowed because they lack the instinct, awareness and freakish athleticism to do it. The CB position is so hard to play…”

However, it’s also to be noted that Travis Hunter owns up to his game with 46 catches, 561 yards, and six touchdowns. On the other side of the ball, he has recorded 15 tackles, three defended passes, and two interceptions. These numbers indicate the reason he has been allowed to play on both sides. But as per Shannon Sharpe: “Is he more talented than Time? Time ain’t play both sides of the ball. RG3 talking like that man should be able to play both sides of the ball as many snaps as he likes. People just see stuff, a lot of time people just tweet stuff to get a reaction. Having played at that level and see, when he was playing both sides of the football, and he was not playing every snap.”

Travis Hunter simply wants to prove everyone wrong by becoming a top CB and WR.

There is no denying that he’s a promising player on the offense and the defense. Hunter himself remains steadfast on joining the NFL as a two-way player. “I mean there’s a lot of people been telling me [playing both ways is not possible] that since I’ve been playing it…I’m just gonna continue to prove them wrong…It’s a lot of haters, even the top dogs hating on me,” he said in September this year. Maybe he can as well, with the events set to take place from April 24-26, 2025 in Green Bay, helping him achieve his goal. But the volume of snaps can prove to be troublesome and cast doubts in scouts’s minds- the chief one being: can handle both offense and defense.

Even the NFL pros have doubts about that.

Now, Cam Newton doesn’t think Hunter should completely give up his dream of playing both offense and defense. He suggests focusing on one position and playing the other part-time. The former Panthers and Patriots QB expressed his concerns and also highlighted that Hunter should play in defense, saying, “Yes, I do think he can play both. Now, do I think the volume of plays—can he play 72 plays on defense and another 57 plays on offense in the NFL? No. I think a guy with Travis’ skillset focuses on defense.”

It doesn’t fit with Hunter’s aim, but how much of it can be realized is still a question, especially after his Colorado setback.

Deion Sanders discusses Travis Hunter’s injury

At Folsom Field, the Colorado Buffaloes lost more than just the game against Kansas State. On one hand, Travis Hunter watched the majority of the game from the sidelines in full uniform. And then there was WR Jimmy Horn Jr, who exited the field with an injury in the second quarter and never returned for the rest of the game.

Additionally, Omarion Miller, who filled in for their roles, suffered a left leg injury after his eighth catch for 145 yards. He didn’t return either. While Shedeur Sanders and his compatriots played pretty well despite the absences, a loss—their second—is still a loss (28-31). However, the team’s QB cut a hopeful figure after the game: “It’s next man up. The guys that got in were ready to play.”

His father and the team’s HC, Deion Sanders, wasn’t as optimistic. “Certainly, losing Travis and Jimmy and others was tremendous because they’re a vital part of our team, a vital part of our identity…They’re a vital part of who we are. So that took a blow. That took a lot out of us.” The 57-year-old also heavily criticized his son, saying, “I thought he played horrible…I thought (Shilo) was rusty. I thought he didn’t have his footing. I thought he wasn’t breaking down. He was coming up trying to make the play … he’s going to do better. I know what he has in him.” 

As for when the injured players will be back, the coach doesn’t have an update yet. With Travis, we may very well see him next week against the Arizona Wildcats. But the debate remains- should the Buffs limit his snaps, especially as he will not be restricted to just one side of the ball.