Travis Hunter reveals reason behind disregarding "major amount of money" to play under Deion Sanders
Colorado Buffaloes two-way star Travis Hunter says he is more concerned with developing his game and playing in the NFL than thinking about the NIL. Hunter has always talked about his respect for his coach, Deion Sanders, who brought him over from Jackson State along with Sanders' son, quarterback, Deion Sanders, ahead of the 2023 college football season.
In one segment of The Travis Hunter Show, Hunter said he could have taken a transfer to an elite program and earn more NIL money. However, he said he refrained to do so because he prioritized his pathway towards NFL and learning from the best.
"It's not about the NIL, it's about the NFL," Hunter told the host. "Because I know if I wanted to, I could have transferred somewhere else and got a major amount of money, but it ain't about the money. It's about getting to the NFL. The NFL is going to set you up for life, while NIL is going to set you up for a moment.
"See where I'm at—with the best coach who's going to put me in the best situation. Yes, sir. Yes, sir."
Travis Hunter reveals the team he wants to play for in NFL
The two-way star enjoys a good connection with Colorado. And he seemingly intends to stay there even after leaving the college landscape. One way he could do so is if he gets picked by the Denver Broncos.
"I wish I could go to the Broncos, just to stay in Colorado because so many people welcomed with open arms. They showed us love that we would never have gotten in a different spot," Hunter said in an interview with Kickin' it With Dee.
Adding more about his draft "dreams," he said:
"I want to be the first pick," he said. "I never dreamed of it until a couple of years ago when I knew I had a chance to become the first pick. That became my main goal, to become the first pick. I don't even care where it's at."
Being picked first might not necessarily pan out, despite Hunter's immense potential. He's already touted as a Heisman frontrunner, but NFL teams generally select quarterbacks as their first pick before turning to other options. Either way, Hunter will be a sought-after asset in the 2025 draft.