"I respect Tom Brady too much": Travis Hunter shares candid reaction to taking over 7x Super Bowl’s jersey number

Travis Hunter has earned a unique place as Colorado's inspiring receiver and cornerback. The two-way star certainly knows what it means to respect the game, which includes the legends who paved the way.

On a recent episode of “The Travis Hunter Show,” the college football sensation chatted with NFL rookie Xavier Weaver about jersey numbers and what it’d mean to wear the iconic number 12, famously associated with Tom Brady. Hunter didn’t hold back his admiration for Brady’s legacy.

“I’m not going to wear Tom Brady’s number, bro. That’s too much legacy in that jersey,” Hunter said, showing his reverence for the seven-time Super Bowl champ. [28:41]

Brady’s career has left a mark on the young star, who recognized the weight that number 12 associated with TB12- carries on any field.

“I respect Tom Brady too much to try to get number 12 … wherever you go, bro, you ain’t going to wear 12,” Hunter said. [28:54]

While Hunter’s making headlines as quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ go-to receiver and a star under Coach Prime’s watchful eye, he’s grounded in humility and aware of the giants who came before him. He has a long way to go but is already nurturing his talent and mindset with icons like Brady on his list.

Pat McAfee praises the Travis Hunter-Deion Sanders combo

Former NFL punter and football analyst is all in on Colorado’s two-way sensation. He believes that the Hunter has blossomed into a tremendous athlete under the guidance of Coach Prime.

During the latest episode of "The Pat McAfee Show," the ESPN analyst raved about Hunter’s ability to shine on both sides of the ball. He credited Coach Prime for allowing Hunter to play on offense and defense—a rarity in today’s game.

"Travis Hunter with Coach Prime? That's the dream," McAfee said.

He also believes that Sanders' approach has led to maximizing Hunter's versatility and push for the Heisman Trophy.

"When I told Coach Prime that Hunter had the second-best Heisman odds, he was like, ‘No.2, that doesn't make sense to me. What are you saying?'" McAfee said.

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Hunter’s Week 9 performance against the Cincinnati Bearcats proves it. The Colorado star put up 153 receiving yards with two touchdowns, adding four pass breakups and two tackles defensively. Hunter snagged the Big 12 Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week titles for his remarkable efforts—a first in the conference’s history.

Hunter is positioning himself as a Heisman frontrunner with 757 receiving yards, eight touchdowns and standout defensive stats this season. McAfee feels Hunter is changing the game alongside Coach Prime, putting the Buffaloes in the national spotlight.

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