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Can NFL players play offense and defense? Meet the ones who have
Travis Hunter is not only one of the most prized players in the upcoming NFL draft but he is also one of the most unique prospects to enter the league in decades.
That’s because throughout his college career the former Colorado Buffalos star proved himself to be an outstanding performer at two positions – one on offense, the other on defense.
Hunter practically never left the field during games, starting as the team’s number one wide receiver when the Buffalos had the ball, then switching to perform as a lock-down cornerback when possession changed hands.
Last season, Hunter racked up more than 1,000 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns, while also snagging four interceptions. His historical achievements in his two roles earned him the Heisman Trophy, the prestigious award given each year to college football’s most outstanding player.
Most evaluations of the Florida native suggest that, had he only ever played one position, he’d enter the 2025 draft as the top prospect in either.
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Many observers have questioned Hunter’s ability to play on both sides at the professional level, though, yet the 21-year-old is adamant that he will make it work.
But has it ever been done before in the NFL?
The answer is yes … sort of.
There are several examples of NFL players operating at times on both offense and defense.
One of the most notable is that of Hunter’s Colorado coach, Deion Sanders, who was a top-level corner-back for the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys while also moonlighting as a wide receiver, with 60 career reception and three touchdowns.
Sanders also played in Major League Baseball during the NFL offseason, turning out for the New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves and others, hitting 39 career home runs.
A potential future coach of Hunter’s is another example. The New England Patriots hold the fourth pick in this year’s draft, which could land them the former Buffalo.
Erick W. Rasco /Sports Illustrated via Getty Image
Their new head coach, Mike Vrabel, was a top linebacker for the Patriots during his playing days. He also occasionally lined up on offense as a tight end in the red zone, where he boasted an impressive record of 10 receptions and 10 touchdowns.
And former three-time Defensive Player of the Year JJ Watt, who is now a co-owner of Burnley FC, was not only one of the most fearsome defenders in modern NFL history but he also caught three touchdowns on offense during a stellar 2014 season with the Houston Texans.
Such offensive icons as Randy Moss, Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski all spent time on the defensive side of the ball, too, during their NFL careers.
But what makes Hunter unique is that in his college career he did not prioritise one position over the other.
Past examples of two-ways stars have been players who have specialised in one role while filling in on the other side of the ball in certain situations.
Hunter wants to be the first player to operate full time on both offense and defense.
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