“Let me help you,” Travis Hunter says, quietly but firmly. “Bring him right to me.” We were on a boat in a private lake west of Fort Worth, engaged in one of Hunter's favorite pastimes: fishing. After driving his Dodge Ram TRX Sandblast Edition pickup down a two-lane road until the houses faded from view, we unlocked a gate and navigated a gravel path to Hunter’s happy place. Surrounded by brown prairie and grazing cows, we arrived at this serene body of water, eager to catch largemouth bass. The excitement was palpable as the fishing action began.
As I felt a tell-tale tug on my line, adrenaline surged through me. With a forceful yank of the rod, I set the hook and felt the rush of battle against a hefty fish. It flashed its white belly before diving deep, confirming it was a significant catch. As I strained to reel the fish closer, Hunter, a Heisman Trophy winner and potential No. 1 NFL draft pick, matched my excitement. But soon, a problem arose: the drag on my reel was improperly adjusted, resulting in a tense struggle with the 4 ½-pound bass that was determined to escape. I realized I had made a rookie mistake by not checking the drag on my newly purchased gear.
Just as frustration began to set in, Hunter demonstrated his multitasking skills. He quickly left the bow of the boat, where he had been guiding us with the trolling motor, and rushed to assist me. “That’s a good one,” he exclaimed. “Don’t lose him! Keep it tight!” With his guidance, I tugged and reeled the bass to the side of the boat as Hunter expertly grabbed the fish by the lower lip, bringing it aboard. My joy erupted like a touchdown celebration, and Hunter grinned, “Nice fish, dude. Told you I was going to put you on the fish. I’m a great teammate. That’s my job.”
Travis Hunter is not just a remarkable fisherman; he is also an exceptional football player. Soon to have a new job and teammates after the NFL draft, the two-way star from Colorado has made waves in the football world. Playing both wide receiver and defensive back at an All-American level, he defied 60 years of precedent by averaging over 100 snaps per game. Hunter intends to continue his groundbreaking journey in the professional arena. Whichever team drafts him would be unwise to impose limitations before witnessing his full potential.
While some speculate that Hunter's ideal position may be cornerback with limited offensive plays, he is resolute in his ambitions. “I’m not going to let anybody tell me that I can’t do something that I’ve already done,” he asserts. Indeed, Hunter’s talents extend beyond the football field; he could easily excel as a pro fisherman. Growing up fishing in Florida, his skills are impressive—capturing half a dozen quality bass in just a couple of hours, with a personal record of a 12-pounder. He exhibits an advanced understanding of fishing techniques, including lure choice, water conditions, and weather variables, showcasing his remarkable adaptability.
Since concluding his college career, Hunter has settled with his fiancée, Leanna Lenee, in a guest home on the property of Athlete Performance Ranch in Fort Worth. This facility, formerly a cattle ranch, now serves as a comprehensive training center for athletes across various sports. With a range of amenities, including a weight room, an indoor sprint track, and an outdoor artificial turf field, Hunter trains with elite professionals and Olympians.
“He has the aerobic capacity of an elite middle-distance runner or miler, but he has the sprint speed of a world-class sprinter. He’s different,” says Greg Sholars, director of AP Ranch. Hunter’s work ethic is unparalleled; he never asks how many drills are left or when the workout ends. His commitment to training is evident, as he seamlessly combines rigorous workouts with engaging moments, such as playing with the director’s toddler during training sessions.
Travis Hunter's rise to fame was not without challenges. Growing up in a tough neighborhood in Boynton Beach, Florida, he faced multiple adversities, including a period where his family lived in a single room at a hotel. Despite these hardships, he persevered, eventually becoming the top recruit in the class of 2022 after flipping his commitment from Florida State to Jackson State, where he was drawn by the vision of Coach Deion Sanders.
Hunter's time at Jackson State shaped his football career as he learned to excel on both sides of the ball, ultimately leading him to the University of Colorado. His performance during his first FBS game was nothing short of spectacular, and he solidified his status in the football world by achieving remarkable statistics in his next season. With 96 catches for 1,258 yards, 15 touchdowns, and four interceptions, Hunter has positioned himself as one of the top prospects in the upcoming NFL draft.
As the draft approaches, Hunter finds solace in fishing, describing it as “peaceful.” This quiet activity allows him to escape the pressures of being a rising star while also reflecting his competitive spirit. Like the characters in Norman Maclean's A River Runs Through It, Hunter seeks perfection in his fishing endeavors, showcasing a relentless drive that mirrors his football career.
On that day we fished together, Hunter continued casting well past our designated time, unwilling to abandon the thrill of the catch. With a drone camera and a small audience capturing every moment, he embraced the tranquility of the lake, steering his boat away from distractions. In that serene environment, rod in hand, Hunter exhibited complete control over his surroundings, demonstrating that whether in football or fishing, he is a force to be reckoned with.
