Travis Kelce Says Travis Hunter Must Prove Himself : Travis Hunter Accepts the Challenge

Travis Hunter has never been one to back down from a challenge, and he’s not starting now. The Colorado superstar, projected to be a top-three pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, recently responded to Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, who questioned whether Hunter could successfully play both offense and defense in the NFL. Kelce’s comments, made on his New Heights podcast, weren’t necessarily doubting Hunter’s talent—but they did come with a warning. Hunter, known for his relentless work ethic and two-way dominance in college, isn’t taking it lightly. Instead, he’s using it as fuel.

Travis Kelce, a future first-ballot Hall of Famer, expressed concerns about whether Hunter could handle the physical toll of playing both ways at the highest level.
"He's gonna have to prove that he can do it," Kelce said, referencing how even Deion Sanders—one of the greatest two-way players in history—had specific packages rather than playing full-time on both sides of the ball. The Chiefs tight end questioned whether Hunter would become too exhausted, hinting that maintaining such a role in the pros is far different than in college.
Hunter, who embraced the challenge of playing receiver and cornerback at Jackson State and then at Colorado under Sanders, didn’t take offense. Instead, he agreed.
"Like he said, I have to prove that I can do it," Hunter said on his own podcast. "So that's my main thing. Imma prove that I'm gonna do it, and I can do it. So he's not telling no lie. I still got to prove it."

Hunter certainly proved it in college. In his final season at Colorado, he racked up 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns while also making 35 tackles, four interceptions, and defending 11 passes. His playstyle is electric, his confidence is unshakable, and his willingness to embrace the grind suggests he’s ready for the challenge ahead.
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If Kelce doesn’t retire before Hunter enters the league, the two might get a front-row view of each other’s greatness. One thing is certain—Hunter has never shied away from proving people wrong, and this time, his proof may come under the brightest NFL lights.