Travis Hunter Confirms Big Jacksonville Decision Before NFL Draft After Jaguars GM Used Rams Philosophy for Heisman Winner

“I wanted to cry, but I can’t cry right now because I’m too excited.” That’s what former WR and DB of the University of Colorado stated. After the Jacksonville Jaguars selected Travis Hunter as their No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, he reflected his true sentiments. The 2024 Heisman Trophy winner’s selection is truly fascinating. Hunter, who stands at 6’1″, 185 pounds, has become the NFL’s finest draft pick. And, before signing with the Jaguars in the draft, he created the buzz with his huge Jacksonville decision.

On Thursday, he sat down for a conversation with Up & Adams host Kay Adams. That was just a few hours before the NFL Draft called his name. During the segment, the American sports commentator dropped a major update about his potential move to Jacksonville.

Kay Adams later shared a short video clip on her official Instagram account. That featured the new Jaguars wide receiver and cornerback, Travis. “Travis Hunter spent last night looking at houses… in Jacksonville… on Zillow. @paniniamerica,” Adams wrote in the caption. Boy, oh boy!

 

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Seemingly, 21-year-old Travis Hunter was quite certain about his move to Jacksonville, as he revealed that he had been browsing homes in the area the night before the draft. In the post-draft video, Hunter, who the Jaguars drafted in the 2025 NFL Draft after they traded with the Browns from the No. 5 spot, shared his excitement about joining the team. “I was super surprised, even though I went on Zillow last night and searched for some houses in Jacksonville,” he said. “I just had a feeling Jacksonville was going to try to come get me,” he added.

His selection, however, is far from surprising to many. Ahead of the draft, several NFL analysts had highlighted Hunter’s rare versatility and touted him as the best wide receiver and cornerback prospect. After playing two seasons at Colorado, Hunter will now let the Jaguars’ coaching staff determine where he fits best.

“It’s up to them at this point, but I’m going to go out there and show my ability to do both,” he said after they drafted him. He also expressed strong confidence in the team’s belief in him. “I know they believe in me and believe that I can do it,” he added. His words made one thing clear: Travis Hunter is ready to make his mark in the NFL with the Jaguars.

On the team’s side, the Jaguars’ GM expressed satisfaction with landing Hunter as their No. 2 pick. The move mirrors a recent trend seen with the Rams, who have embraced versatile talent with similar upside.

Jaguars GM used Rams’ philosophy for Heisman winner

James Gladstone selected Hunter after he traded up to obtain the No. 2 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. By making this move, the Jaguars appear to be putting more emphasis on the idea of acquiring intangibly rich players. It also seems that they have attributes other than merely skill on the field.

“We prioritize people and players who are intangibly rich, and by doing so, they elevate our ecosystem simply by being themselves,” Gladstone said during his introductory press conference months ago.

Interestingly, this philosophy mirrors the Rams’ recent approach, which places high value on players who contribute positively to the team’s culture and bring a unique character to the locker room. Travis Hunter fits that mold—and he’s no average receiver.

Last season, Hunter recorded 96 receptions, 15 touchdowns, and averaged 12.9 yards per catch, underscoring his remarkable versatility. And that’s exactly what Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars need to energize their passing attack. Hunter made history on draft night as the first player ever announced at two positions—wide receiver and cornerback. He also became the highest University of Colorado draft pick in the past 50 years.

Following the selection of Heisman winner Travis Hunter, the Jaguars’ GM expressed deep admiration. “Travis, as a player, is rare,” he said. “As a person, he’s also rare. When we talk about inviting people into our ecosystem who elevate the space simply by being themselves, that’s the epitome of what Travis is. We’re not going to ask him to be anyone other than himself. Because by doing so, he elevates not only this football team. Not only this city, but the sport itself.” It was a powerful endorsement.

The Jaguars’ GM’s statement is a clear display of excitement over such a unique first-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Travis Hunter isn’t just a draft pick—he’s poised to define a new era in Jacksonville.

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