Look, greatness rubs off, but when it runs in blood, it hits different. Travis Hunter’s electrifying football career has captivated the nation. His remarkable talent, dominating both offense and defense, has earned him countless accolades. But beyond the trophies and awards, his unwavering support system shines brightest. Hunter cherishes his close circle, recognizing that success is meaningless without loved ones to celebrate with. But this draft night changed that for Hunter and his father. But how?

Travis Hunter Sr. received court permission to attend the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay, a momentous occasion for his family as his son, Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, anticipates a top draft pick. Currently, on three years’ probation sentence for drugs and gum charges. Following a 2023 arrest and 90-day jail sentence. But the Travis’ father received an exceptional waiver to his travel restrictions.

While he missed his son’s Heisman ceremony, he’ll be at Lambeau Field, though confined to his hotel and the draft venue. Hunter Sr.’s presence concludes a poignant journey. Travis Jr., a standout wide receiver and cornerback at Colorado, acknowledged his father in his Heisman speech: “From not seeing probably two games in high school to seeing me on TV every weekend and coming to see me. That means so much to me. I know you wanted to be here, and you can’t, but trust me, I got you. I’m bringing the trophy home, I love you.”  No wonder Travis bought the trophy home. The father-son duo will now share this spotlight, as the NFL calls Hunter Jr.’s name.

This time, however, Travis Hunter Sr. will get a chance to witness his father’s presence in one of the biggest days of his life. And no one is more excited than Travis Hunter. And ESPN Originals puts Travis’s words perfectly on their IG handle, “Me and my dad been through a lot, I am proud of him and I hope he is proud of me for proving everybody wrong.” Things finally got better for the ‘Hunters’.

Travis Hunter Sr. shunned the limelight, yet blazed a trail. He’d aimed for a Kansas football scholarship, but life had other plans. He chose fatherhood, grounding himself in his children’s lives. That decision became the foundation for Travis Jr.’s success. And Jr.? He didn’t just inherit his father’s legacy; he amplified it.

At 21, this two-sport star dominated, demolishing defenses and shutting down receivers. His offensive stats? 96 catches, 1,258 yards, and 15 touchdowns. Defensively, he recorded 35 tackles, 11 passes defended, eight forced incompletions, four interceptions, and limited opposing quarterbacks to a 56.1% completion rate (per PFF).

And even the awards followed swiftly: Walter Camp, Chuck Bednarik, and Fred Biletnikoff Awards; AP College Football Player of the Year; Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year; unanimous All-American; first-team All-Big 12; and, capping it all off, the Heisman Trophy. And with a full heart Travis Hunter shines bright in drafts too.

Travis Hunter’s surprising draft spot

Well, draft nights turn pretty surprising for Colorado’s dynamic two-way star, Travis Hunter. But why? Enter Jacksonville, aggressively, trading up to the second overall pick to select Hunter. This bold move cost them significant draft capital—second and fourth-round picks this year, plus a 2026 first-rounder—but secured a player they believe will revitalize the franchise. More than just adding talent, this pick signals a new era.

With rookie GM James Gladstone, new head coach Liam Coen, and franchise icon Tony Boselli leading the charge, Jacksonville is aiming high. “There are players that you can target and acquire who alter the trajectory of a game,” said Gladstone. “There are very few, and it’s rare to be able to target and prioritize a player who can alter the sport itself. And Travis is somebody that we view has the potential to do that.”

No doubt, Heisman winner Travis Hunter fits the bill. Smiling beside Commissioner Roger Goodell, he stepped onto the draft stage, knowing he was Jacksonville’s rebuild centerpiece. Ironically, a resurfaced December 2024 clip from The Travis Hunter Show went viral. Shedeur Sanders teased him: “What’s my favorite NFL team?” Hunter, smirking, replied, “Jaguars.” Hunter’s less-than-thrilled “Bruh” response didn’t age well. But things change quickly. Hunter reportedly house-hunted in Jacksonville beforehand, saying, “It just felt right.” The Jaguars secretly negotiated for weeks with the Browns for the No. 2 pick, snatching Hunter from a Cleveland-bound projection with masterful precision.

Now, the Jags possess the league’s most exciting game-changer, a player who excels on both offense and defense. Coach Coen intends to utilize Hunter offensively and defensively, potentially leading to an explosive Jacksonville offense with Trevor Lawrence throwing to him. The comparison to Deion Sanders seems less like hype and more like a prediction. Jacksonville’s draft pick wasn’t just a player; it was a statement of their identity. And Hunter may have just secured football’s future.