In just a few hours, Travis Hunter’s journey from potential prodigy to proven professional comes to fruition in Green Bay. All that partisan cynicism about how he cannot play both sides of the football. That pessimism about him rejecting blue-chip programs to play at HBCU Jackson State under Deion Sanders. Even the egregious attacks on his personal life. Everything comes down to this unassuming Thursday evening in late April. If getting onto that podium at the Heisman ceremony was the best moment of his life yet, it’s about to be trumped at the NFL Draft. Naturally, this ascension from amateur to pro has got his family buzzing.

It’ll be naive to think the draft goes exactly as projected by analysts in the lead-up to it. Things never wind up that straightforwardly. The Atlanta Falcons picking Michael Penix Jr. just last year, something not one soul foresaw transpiring, is a microcosm of the chaos that we might be in for. But that said, Travis Hunter being penciled in for the 2nd overall pick does seem like as much of a certainty as anything. Even Vegas concurs. Hunter is -1800 to go second, according to the oddsmakers. Who to is a bit more of a toss-up, though. The Cleveland Browns currently hold the pick, but there have been reports they’re open to trading it. Alas, that’s secondary for now. Whatever jersey Hunter’s holding up, he’s going to be ecstatic regardless. He’ll also have the full support of his loved ones, including his younger brother and fellow WR Trayvis Hunter.

It’s inconspicuous whether Trayvis Hunter will be in that green room tonight, sweating it out with his brother. But even if he’s not, his presence shall be felt vicariously. The high schooler has been a huge proponent of his brother during the entirety of his successful collegiate career. Taking to social media to relay his pride in Travis as he continually knocked down accolades and records. Even got his #12 jersey retired at Colorado. It’s only right Trayvis posted a little something on IG on this red-letter day. He has shared a short message that somehow entails everything that needs to be said.

On his IG stories, Trayvis posted a picture of Travis Hunter hitting the iconic Heisman pose after one of his many trips to the endzone in a Colorado jersey. He accompanied this with the text, “Yo day today 12.” It sure is Travis’ day up in Green Bay, and Trayvis is preaching it to the choir. Sure, he may not go 1st overall since the Tennessee Titans are almost assuredly picking QB Cam Ward. But in a twisted way, that has actually meant the draft and its disorderly excitement begin with the No.2 pick and Travis Hunter. 

There’s a hypothetical school of thought out there that the Dallas Cowboys could pull off a sensational trade to move up from 12th to 2nd. Is it a pipedream? Very likely. The draft capital they’d have to part with in exchange will, under normal circumstances, make the trade bad value. But can you put it past Jerry Jones to chase the pageantry regardless? Absolutely not. When has Jerry ever resonated with normality and convention in how he runs America’s Team? 

A generational talent such as this doesn’t spawn all that often. We do know from credible sources that the Browns are taking calls and offers for that #2 pick. So, as last minute as it will be, you really can’t shun the idea. Whatever the case, Travis- and Trayvis- will welcome whatever’s thrown the Hunter clan’s way. They’re known to deal with adversity, after all.

Travis Hunter’s father will be directly involved in the most glorious day of their lives

Travis Hunter has the unmitigated support of his family, a pillar of strength in his action-packed life. You just don’t go to Jackson State as the No.1 recruit in the country unless your parents trust you and your talent to stand out regardless. However, Travis has had to reciprocate this support as well. His father, Travis Hunter Sr., has had a tumultuous couple of years. He is currently serving year 1 of a 3-year probation sentence after a 2023 arrest over drug and firearm charges.

Hunter Sr. was released from jail prior to the Heisman ceremony. However, he couldn’t travel to New York to attend. During his acceptance speech, Travis’ emotions overflowed as he gazed into the TV camera, expressing his profound gratitude for his father. This time around, however, he’d be able to look him directly in the eye. Travis Hunter Sr. will attend the NFL Draft after the courts give him special permission. If there was any doubt, this almost definitely means the draft will edge out that Heisman ceremony in the hierarchy of Travis Hunter’s favorite moments.

Whether Trayvis Hunter, too, shall be seated at that round table remains to be seen. But his love has still permeated over from IG to Green Bay. In case you were wondering, Hunter Sr.’s probation will be in the rearview mirror by the time Trayvis is draft-eligible. This could be a repeat occurrence for the Hunter family over the next few years. They’d certainly hope that’s the case.