Travis Hunter is making waves not just on the football field, but also on the waters of Texas, where he indulges his love for bass fishing.
The Heisman Trophy winner and potential No. 1 NFL draft pick demonstrated his multifaceted skills during a fishing trip on a private lake west of Fort Worth, reflecting his passion for fishing as much as for football.
Hunter’s journey to this point has been marked by determination and resilience, making him one of the most intriguing prospects in recent NFL history.
The 21-year-old athlete showcased his considerable angling skills, catching several quality bass in a matter of hours, including a notable 5 ½ pounder, despite the pressures of his upcoming transition to the NFL.
The trip began with excitement as Hunter and his companion drove his Dodge Ram TRX Sandblast Edition pickup down a gravel path to the peaceful lake, surrounded by brown prairie and cattle.
After a quick tug on the fishing line confirmed a solid catch, Hunter’s enthusiasm shone through, matching the adrenaline rush of hooking a big fish.
However, an urgent issue arose when the drag on Hunter’s fishing reel wasn’t set properly, causing tension on the line to loosen.
In a show of teamwork reminiscent of his football days, Hunter quickly adjusted the drag while guiding his companion through the fight against the fish.
“That’s a good one,” he encouraged, appearing just as committed to the catch as his fishing partner.
Once the fish was aboard, the joy was palpable, with Hunter likening the experience to making a diving interception on the field.
As he handed the fish over to the boat’s live well, he proudly declared, “I’m a great teammate. That’s my job.”
With the NFL draft approaching, the pressures are mounting for Hunter, who has set his sights on breaking traditional molds in professional football.
Known as Two-Way Travis, he played both wide receiver and defensive back at the collegiate level, showcasing an unprecedented ability to excel on both sides of the ball.
Hunter intends to continue defying expectations as a professional, resisting any limitations placed on his position.
“I’m not going to let anybody tell me that I can’t do something that I’ve already done,” he asserts, demonstrating confidence in his abilities.
Reflecting on his fishing capabilities, Hunter’s advanced skills in angling mirror his prowess on the field.
Growing up fishing in Florida, he displayed an intuitive understanding of reading water and lure selection, skills that translate seamlessly into his athletic endeavors.
To the surprise of many, Hunter’s fishing experience has even caught the attention of professional anglers, with Major League Fishing pro Matt Becker praising his competitive spirit and love for the sport.
If he directed his focus solely toward fishing, Becker believed Hunter’s competitive edge could make him a tournament-level angler.
However, despite his multifaceted interests, Hunter remains dedicated to his football career.
He forgoes the nightlife and social events for more solitary pursuits, preferring to dedicate his time to football, video games, and of course, fishing.
Since concluding his college career, Hunter and his fiancée, Leanna Lenee, have settled into a guest home on the property of Athlete Performance Ranch in Fort Worth.
This facility provides a comprehensive training environment for athletes, featuring a massive weight room, an indoor sprint track, and various specialized training areas.
Travis Hunter enjoys unprecedented access to top-tier training resources, allowing him to push his limits in preparation for the impending NFL season.
As the director of AP Ranch, Greg Sholars, notes, “Hunter has the aerobic capacity of an elite middle-distance runner while possessing the sprint speed of a world-class sprinter.”
This unique combination of physical abilities makes Hunter a standout, and one who has yet to meet his match when it comes to determination.
Sholars emphasizes that, unlike many athletes who worry about the number of repetitions or when a workout is over, Hunter continuously pushes through without question.
Johnathan Gray, the strength and conditioning director at AP Ranch, echoes this sentiment, acknowledging Hunter’s intense work ethic and competitive nature.
As Hunter interacts with the training staff, he also finds time for light-hearted moments, like playing with Gray’s toddler during workouts.
With the media buzzing about his status as a rising star, Hunter remains grounded, unfazed by public discourse on his future.
“It’s a blessing to have people debate about me, but it doesn’t change anything that I’m going to do,” he states, recognizing the challenges that come with fame.
Emphasizing his journey, Hunter highlights the misunderstandings others may have about him, focusing instead on his personal growth and dedication.
Born into a difficult situation in Boynton Beach, Florida, Hunter’s journey through adversity fueled his passion for football.
After moving with his family to suburban Atlanta, he faced further challenges, including living in cramped quarters as they sought to establish stability.
Not one to falter, Hunter rose to prominence as he began to dominate on the football field, ultimately becoming the top recruit in the nation by the time he graduated high school.
His unexpected commitment to Jackson State, led by Deion Sanders, marked a significant moment in his career, as he sought to play both ways under a coach who understood his aspirations.
Through Sanders’ guidance, Hunter was able to transition between defensive back and wide receiver, developing his skill set to unprecedented heights.
By the time of his transfer to Colorado, Hunter was well-equipped to showcase his dual-threat capabilities, achieving remarkable statistics in the 2023 season.
On the field, Hunter made headlines with standout performances, including a jaw-dropping interception in the season opener against TCU.
His contribution to both offense and defense proved his versatility, culminating in a Heisman victory that further solidified his status as a top draft pick.
As he prepares for the NFL draft, discussions about Hunter’s future are becoming more frequent, with pundits debating his position and potential impact.
While some advise limiting his role, Hunter remains steadfast in his belief that he can excel in more than one capacity.
Despite the scrutiny surrounding his fellow teammates, Hunter remains protective of his circle, expressing solidarity with those who face criticism.
Looking beyond the bright lights of the NFL, fishing remains a cherished aspect of Hunter’s life, offering him peace and solitude amidst the pressures of his burgeoning career.
On the day of our fishing trip, he dedicated extra time to casting, showcasing the same stamina that fuels him on the football field.
The therapeutic aspects of fishing provide him with a refreshing escape from the spotlight, as he finds solace in the rhythms of nature.
“Travis Hunter appears to be finding a release from the pressures of being a rising star,” articulated onlookers watched as he cast his line into the undisturbed waters.
With his back to the distractions and cameras, he remained focused on the task at hand, reflecting just how well he balances the chaos of celebrity with the tranquility of his passion.
As the draft approaches, the world will be watching, but for now, Hunter remains committed to honing his skills in his happy place, waiting for his next big catch—not just on the lake, but in his professional career.
image source from：https://www.si.com/nfl/why-travis-hunter-is-the-biggest-fish-and-fisherman-in-the-pond
