Deion Sanders boldly tells NFL teams how to deploy Travis Hunter

On By Littum

Deion Sanders is issuing a warning to NFL teams interested in Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter.

Hunter, the two-way star who followed Sanders to Colorado from Jackson State, hopes to continue playing both wide receiver and cornerback after being drafted into the pros.

Coach Prime doubled down this week, suggesting that if a team isn’t ready to let Hunter play on both sides of the ball, it shouldn’t even bother drafting him.

“He’s going to do it or they shouldn’t draft him,” Sanders said when asked about Hunter’s future in the NFL in an interview with Rich Eisen on Friday. “You don’t have to. And I’m going to make sure of that. Don’t draft him if you’re not going to give him the opportunity to play on both sides of the ball. Now you can be creative. He doesn’t have to do what we did with him here and play every snap.”

Travis Hunter won the 2024 Heisman Trophy after a great season in Colorado. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

As a Pro Football Hall of Famer who thrived as a two-way (and two-sport) player, Sanders believes Hunter’s talent is too exceptional to be limited to one position.

Hunter, who has captured the national spotlight with his performance in Colorado, has consistently demonstrated elite skills at both wide receiver and cornerback.

Travis Hunter shares a celebratory moment with head coach Deion Sanders after winning the 2024 Heisman Trophy. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

“Now you can be creative,” Sanders added regarding Hunter’s potential NFL use. “You don’t have to do what we did with him here and play every snap, but … let’s say he starts the corner. He’s going to have to be in your nickel packages … or spread packages on offense because he probably will be your best receiver. And you’re going to look like an idiot with your best receiver sitting on the bench and you can’t get open, you can’t get the ball downfield. Or vice versa.

“Your best corner isn’t on the field and they’re bombing you right now — and he’s on the sideline with you.”

In the 2024 regular season, Hunter amassed 1,192 receiving yards on 92 catches with 14 touchdowns.

He also recorded four interceptions and 11 passes defensed.

Deion Sanders walks the sideline during the second half of a college football game on November 23, 2024. Getty Images

His dynamic playmaking ability drew praise across the board, making him one of the most versatile NFL prospects in recent memory.

Hunter is expected to be one of the top picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, along with Sanders’ son, Shedeur, Colorado’s starting quarterback.