Featured Image Credit: Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images
Topics: NFL, American Football
Ben McAleer
JJ Watt delivered a two-word verdict on Travis Hunter back in 2024 before the youngster secured his trade to the Jacksonville Jaguars for the 2025 NFL season.
Hunter was part of the first round 2025 NFL draft and was a second pick, which goes to show how highly he is thought of in American football.
The Jaguars continue their pre-season with a game against the Saints this weekend, before rounding off preparations when they take on the Dolphins in a week's time.
Liam Coen’s side then start their season up against the Panthers, with Hunter looking to make an impact in his debut campaign in the big leagues.
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However, Hunter has already shot to prominence with several high-profile athletes, not just in the NFL, but further afield too.
The attention stemmed from an impossible catch while Hunter was playing for the Colorado Buffaloes against North Dakota State last year.
With the clock ticking in the fourth quarter, Hunter somehow made a falling-down catch over the defender for a touchdown in a game the Buffaloes would go on to win 31-26.
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And the catch caught the eye of Watt, who, having retired in 2022, had plenty of time to catch up on college football.
The catch in question was deemed an “incredible snag” by Watt, who, as of May 1st 2023, became a minority investor in Premier League side Burnley alongside his wife.
“That was a glitch on EA Sports,” Watt posted on his official X account.
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“What a great way to describe that Travis Hunter catch.
“Incredible snag.”
It’s not just Watt, either, who is a big fan of Hunter, who has caught the eye of other high-profile sports stars.
NBA legend LeBron James also praised Hunter for the catch against North Dakota State, posting on his official X account: “MAN TRAVIS HUNTER IS RIDICULOUS!!!!! WOW”
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When you receive praise from a player of LeBron’s stature, you know you’re doing something right.
Hunter would go on to earn his plaudits, and having finished the 2024 season having played nearly 1,400 scrimmage snaps on offence and defence, 382 more than any other player in the country, he won the Heisman Trophy.
The Heisman Trophy was established in 1935 and is awarded annually to the top player in college football.
In winning the Heisman, Hunter became just the second Colorado Buffaloes to land the accolade after Rashaan Salaam in 1994.
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Salaam struggled to live up to expectations after winning the award and would go on to tragically take his own life in December 2016 at the age of 42.