In the history of the NFL, the idea of a two-way player has largely been like a fairy-tale fantasy until Travis Hunter arrived in the league. After a Heisman-winning collegiate career and being selected second overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Hunter entered the league with the weight of a dual-threat revolution on his shoulders.
While his rookie season was affected by an injury despite having natable stats, the conversation surrounding his future value is reaching a new fever pitch. According to rap icon and sports fan Lil Wayne, if Hunter succeeds, his next contract should mirror the most unique deal in sports history: Shohei Ohtani’s with Los Angeles Dogers.
The rookie reality check
Hunter’s transition to the professional ranks has not been easy at all. After dominating at Colorado, his debut season in Jacksonville was cut short. In the seven games he managed to play, the talented player gave reasons why to believe but realistically was not outstanding. 28 receptions for 298 yards and one touchdown, versus 15 tackles and three pass deflections.
For a No. 2 overall pick, these numbers were more flashes of potential than present dominance. With recent reports suggesting the Jaguars might prioritize Hunter on the defensive side of the ball to preserve his health, many wondered if the two-way dream was fading.
Lil Wayne: “It’s not a battle, it’s his nature”
However, those closest to Hunter say he is not backing down. Lil Wayne, whose agency Young Money APAA Sports represents Hunter, recently appeared on the Not Just Football with Cam Heyward podcast to set the record straight.
Wayne insists that playing both ways is not a gimmick or a burden for Hunter; it is just his identity.
“That’s his whole thing. It’s not a battle for him… That’s his nature… That is so natural to him
According to Wayne, Hunter intends to be a force on both offense and defense.
An Ohtani approach for NFL reach
If Hunter can prove he is a good starter at both wide receiver and cornerback, the Jaguars will face then a unprecedented financial dilemma: How to pay a man who is effectively two elite players in one jersey.
Lil Wayne revealed that he and Hunter have already studied the blueprint laid out by MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani, who signed a historic 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers. Ohtani’s deal came because he provided the value of both an ace pitcher and a power-hitting DH.
“The day Shohei Ohtani [signed his contract], we had a huge conversation. You see how they paid him and why they paid him… Make sure they don’t need an explanation when they pay you as well
So, the message is to let the production be undeniable. If the stats reflect the value of a WR1 and a CB1, the contract should reflect the sum of those two market values. Or that is what his agency thinks.
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