Well, Travis Hunter is one lucky man! Back in college, the Colorado Buffaloes’ two-way star always got Deion Sanders’ back. Coach Prime treated him no less than his sons. And now that Hunter is going to take that big leap to the NFL, leaving Deion’s nest, he has some big pieces of advice coming up. What timing to get the help from the legends!
After all, for the past couple of days, he has been witnessing a sharp dip in his NFL draft stocks. There enters the Kansas City Chiefs star TE Travis Kelce with a million-dollar advice for the Buffs dual-threat. While Hunter was still savoring the dream-come-true moment, another NFL legend served up some tips to have a long and healthy ride in the NFL.
Super Bowl Champ’s recipe for Travis Hunter’s career longevity
Now, not all things are in the athletes’ hands, right? For instance, even though Hunter thought of himself as the top pick, analysts dished out a reality check. CBS Sports analysts Chris Trapasso and Ryan Wilson in their mock drafts projected him as the sixth overall pick. Now we don’t know what the future holds for Hunter in the pro league. The NFL also comes with a lot of responsibilities. The primary being Hunter can never and should never take his health for granted, as physical fitness is imperative at the national level. On The Travis Hunter Show, the dual phenom had Super Bowl champion Vernon Davis who shared a nugget of wisdom. So what’s the cheat code for staying in power on the gridiron?
Dec 21, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes Heisman trophy winner Travis Hunter before the game against the Bellarmine Knights at CU Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
“The way you stay on the football field is through nutrition and through taking care of your body,” advised Davis. Now these are not just words, as the Washington tight end did get some real results. He continued, “What I did Travis, I never had surgery.” Being a pro league player and dodging out surgery? Big deal. And what’s the key to getting blessed with this invisible protective shield? “I stretched every single day. Even in the offseason, I stretched every single day,” the Super Bowl champ spilled the secret sauce. In case of pain, he opted for dry needling therapy. Now, that’s some golden advice for Hunter.
After all, Hunter’s time in Boulder had hit the pause multiple times due to injuries. He had sustained a shoulder injury in Colorado’s loss to Kansas State. However, a severe setback came with the Buffs’ victory over Colorado State back in 2023. Hunter took a blatant cheap shot by Colorado State Rams‘ defensive back Henry Blackburn after the play and fell to the ground. Later on, it was found out that the blow had cracked his ribs which in turn left him with a lacerated liver. Now that he has some fitness mantra, what about his gridiron play mantra? Don’t worry, Kelce has got that covered.
Travis Kelce’s vote of confidence for Travis Hunter
While Hunter’s two-way CB-WR skills came off as his USP in college, it complicated his NFL future after the Combine boxed him as a cornerback. Analyst Colin Cowherd shared his take, “I would put him at corner. But he wants to be a receiver.” Well, he had his reasons to say so. After all, you can never be a No.1 receiver with a young quarterback on board who leaves no stone unturned to get reps. But looks like Kelce sees Hunter as the bona fide two-way star in the NFL as well.
On the New Heights podcast, the City Chiefs star said to his brother Jason Kelce, “I think he’s proven that he needs to play on both sides of the ball. I think it’s easier for him to be on the field all the time as a defensive player. And then, offensively, coming in on certain plays.” Well, players playing both ways of the b–l in the NFL is not a new thing. After all, Hunter’s mentor Deion, as well as now-New England Patriots HC Mike Vrabel has shown their dual power in the NFL. On that note, Kelce comes with an interesting take.
The ways to make the most use of Travis Hunter to be on the field for every snap. He sounded all confident as he said, “It’s 100% possible… In the NFL, they’ll have to scheme up around him getting too exhausted. They really have to weigh that into their play-calling, both offensively and defensively…You’d have to scheme him to be able to play Cover 2.” So, while the opposing offensive coordinators could throw that receiver on a go-route to wear Hunter out, a package of plays on offense can be helpful. Hunter’s taking fitness notes, but the NFL suitors better take notes on how to unleash his two-way brilliance.
The post Travis Kelce’s Million-Dollar Advice for Travis Hunter Gets New Meaning With Priceless Mantra To Prolong NFL Career appeared first on EssentiallySports.
