Jaguars' Travis Hunter Makes NFL History Playing Offense, Defense

The Jacksonville Jaguars opened their 2025 NFL season with a strong 26-10 win over the Carolina Panthers, showcasing rookie Travis Hunter's historic two-way play. Hunter, the No. 2 overall pick and reigning Heisman Trophy winner, made NFL history by playing both wide receiver and cornerback in the same game, a feat not seen since 2012. Head coach Liam Coen plans to use Hunter primarily as a wide receiver while rotating him to defense in situational packages, highlighting the team's flexible strategy to maximize his unique talents. Hunter's college success as a two-way player, including winning the Chuck Bednarik and Fred Biletnikoff Awards and logging over 1,400 total snaps in 2024, supports the Jaguars' ambitious plan. His debut performance included multiple receptions and defensive snaps, making him the first player in 20 seasons to have five or more catches and five or more defensive snaps in a single game. This approach draws comparisons to Hall of Famers like Deion Sanders, who was also Hunter's college coach, emphasizing Hunter's potential as a versatile NFL star.