Even with his season cut short, Travis Hunter is still finding ways to make headlines-and have a little fun while doing it.
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ rookie phenom hasn’t played since October after undergoing surgery to repair a torn LCL. The injury, a non-contact tear suffered in practice ahead of Week 9, brought a promising debut campaign to a halt. But if you thought that would keep Hunter out of the spotlight, think again.
On Sunday, as the Jaguars rolled into Denver and walked out with a 34-20 win over the Broncos, Hunter was right there in the thick of it-not on the field, but in the stands, soaking in every bit of the moment. Cameras caught him celebrating with fans, clearly enjoying Jacksonville’s biggest win of the season.
And when some Broncos faithful voiced their frustration over a few controversial calls, Hunter didn’t shy away-he leaned in, playfully taunting the crowd and reveling in the chaos. It was the kind of spirited energy that’s made him a fan favorite in Duval, even while sidelined.
Before the injury, Hunter was already showing flashes of why the Jaguars used a first-round pick on him. In his final game of the season against the Rams, he turned in a breakout performance-eight catches on 14 targets, including a 34-yard grab, and his first career 100-yard game with 101 receiving yards.
He led the team in every major receiving category that day, even as the Jags were blown out. It was a glimpse of what he brings to the table: elite athleticism, versatility, and a knack for making big plays.
In total, Hunter wrapped up his rookie year with 28 receptions for 298 yards and a touchdown across seven games. But his impact wasn’t limited to offense.
When healthy, he was also a regular contributor on the defensive side of the ball, logging snaps in 36% of the team’s defensive plays. That two-way ability is rare in today’s NFL and gives the Jaguars a unique weapon moving forward.
What’s perhaps most impressive is how Jacksonville has responded in his absence. Since Hunter went down, the Jaguars have gone 7-1, with their only loss coming in a late-game collapse against the Texans. Instead of falling off, they’ve surged to the top of the AFC South and are now just one win away from clinching the division title for the first time since 2022-a season that also marked their last playoff victory.
The Jaguars have found ways to win without Hunter, but there’s no question they’re a different kind of dangerous when he’s on the field. His return next season could elevate this team from playoff contender to legitimate Super Bowl threat. For now, though, he’s playing the role of hype man-and doing it with the same confidence and swagger that made him a star in his rookie year.
One thing is clear: Travis Hunter might be done for the season, but he’s far from done making an impact.