The Jacksonville Jaguars didn’t just open the 2025 season with a win, they made history. Rookie Travis Hunter became the league’s newest two-way star in a 26-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday at EverBank Stadium.
A debut like no other
Hunter, the No. 2 overall pick out of Colorado, wasted no time showing why Jacksonville drafted him. He caught six passes for 33 yards and even made a tackle while lining up on defense. That rare combination placed him in a category of his own. According to CBS, Hunter is the first player in 20 years to record at least five receptions while also playing five or more defensive snaps in the same game.
The last time the league saw anything close to it was during the prime years of legends like Deion Sanders, Troy Brown, and Mike Vrabel. To see it from a rookie in his very first game is something entirely different.
More than just football
Hunter’s debut came after a whirlwind offseason. He left Colorado after four seasons under Coach Prime, became the Jaguars’ top pick in April, got married, and welcomed his first child, all before taking his first professional snap. None of it seemed to rattle him as he smoothly stepped into an NFL role that most players couldn’t handle.
MORE: DeAndre Hopkins candidate for NFL catch of the year for Baltimore Ravens
Jaguars send an early message
The win was more than just a debut showcase. Jacksonville looked sharp across the board, controlling the Panthers and leaving little doubt that they intend to be in the playoff hunt again. The victory also moved the Jaguars into a tie with the Colts atop the AFC South.
Next up is a bigger test against Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. If Hunter continues to play both ways, he could become one of the league’s most intriguing weapon, something the Jaguars haven’t had in a long time.
MORE NFL NEWS:
- Is Malik Nabers active or inactive for Sunday's game?
- Justin Herbert ready for opportunity against AFC champs
- Banner night vs reboot: Eagles raise a flag while the Cowboys find out who they are
- Travis Kelce expands empire with bold move into sports drinks
- Kate Scott to make NFL broadcast history in Vikings-Steelers clash
- Brittany Mahomes speaks out on lovebirds Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift news
- How Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce went from bracelet moment to engagement