**Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders Begin NFL Journeys Apart**
As the new football season approaches, Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders will not be teammates for the first time in four years. Hunter, selected second overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars, and Sanders, who was picked in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns, previously shone together at Jackson State and Colorado. Both players are now eager to make their mark in the NFL with their respective teams.
Entering their rookie seasons, both athletes are under significant scrutiny for different reasons. Hunter has been labeled a generational talent by Jaguars GM James Gladstone, who expects him to elevate the team and the sport throughout what he envisions as a Hall of Fame career. Meanwhile, Sanders faces a competitive quarterback battle that includes veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, as well as Dillon Gabriel, who was drafted just before him.
Hunter has reached out to Sanders since the draft, expressing confidence in his friend’s readiness to embark on his NFL journey. “We just going to work, man,” Hunter said, sharing his enthusiasm about partnering with Panini America for his first rookie trading card at the NFLPA Rookie Premiere in Los Angeles. “We both got our heads down, doing what we have to do. There’s a lot of doubters out there for him, and he’s going to go to work. I’m going to go to work and just do what we’ve always been doing.”
While the focus has been on Sanders and Gabriel during rookie minicamp, Hunter has already surpassed the Jaguars’ expectations. Tony Boselli, the Jaguars’ executive vice president of Football Operations, noted that even without pads, Hunter’s athleticism and skills have impressed the team. “We had high expectations. He’s exceeded my expectations,” Boselli stated. “You see the athlete on the field, how he moves, the change in direction, the body control, but it’s the person that I’m most enamored with.”
As Hunter adjusts to life in the NFL, he recognizes the importance of leadership as a top draft pick. With established players like Trevor Lawrence and Travon Walker in the locker room, Hunter is determined to contribute positively while focusing on his performance. Sanders shares a similar mindset with the Browns, emphasizing the need for both to lead by example.
In conclusion, as Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders embark on their NFL careers, they carry the weight of expectations and the desire to prove themselves. Their journeys, though separate, reflect their shared commitment to excellence and leadership in the sport.
**FAQ**
**Q: What teams did Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders play for in college?**
A: Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders played together at Jackson State and Colorado before entering the NFL.
