

Travis Hunter had a notable first preseason appearance as both a wide receiver and cornerback. However, the game was also marked by an embarrassing moment when the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Kaleb Johnson left him in a heat on the floor.
The Jacksonville Jaguars rookie showcased his two-way talents and showed flashes or promise but found himself on the wrong end of an attempted tackle on Johnson, a rookie running back.
Travis Hunter gives iconic NFL coach a blunt response about Jacksonville’s heat
The 24-year-old Heisman Trophy winner out of the Colorado Buffaloes featured in eight snaps as a cornerback but whilst he tried to stop a charging Kaleb, he was flattened by a decisive stiff arm that knocked him to the ground.
The moment quickly went viral online, drawing both amusement and criticism from fans as they headed to X.com, formerly known as Twitter prior to 2023, to react to the situation.
One user wrote, “Kaleb Johnson dribbled Travis Hunter‘s head on the ground.”
A second added, “Since Kaleb got to dribble t hunter don’t think he will be 2 way for very long.”
And a third wrote, “Roman Wilson took Travis Hunter for a ride, and Kaleb Johnson left him diving at air on back to back plays.”
Hunter also played 11 snaps as a wide receiver, catching two passes for nine yards in the Jaguars‘ 31-25 preseason loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday, August 10.
While preseason results should be taken with caution, the incident highlights the adjustment challenges Hunter faces as he transitions from college to the NFL, and the pressure on him as the incumbent Heisman winner.
How did the Jaguars choose to use Travis Hunter?
Hunter‘s debut was highly anticipated after Jacksonville selected him as one of the top prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, trading up to do so. The buzz heightened when they confirmed their intention to utilize him on both sides of the ball.
Starting on offense, the Buffaloes graduate lined up as a wide receiver from the opening series and became a primary target for the team’s talented quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, as fans except them to strike up a bond.
Hunter led the team in both catches (two) and targets (three) during the first series. His initial reception gained three yards, while his second catch, though negated by penalties, showcased his agility and quickness, setting up a field goal opportunity.
After his offensive snaps, Travis took a break before returning on defense, lining up at left cornerback during the Jaguars’ second defensive drive. He played five snaps but struggled with that missed tackle on Johnson.
The Jaguars’ use of Hunter at wide receiver first, followed by defensive snaps, signals that while they value his potential as a cornerback, offense may remain his primary role early on as they look to get points on the board.
Standing at 6ft1in but with a good combination of speed and athleticism might be better suited to an offensive role, where his skill set can translate to playmaking rather than the more physical demands of cornerback coverage.
This news was originally published on this post .
Be the first to leave a comment