Catching More Than Just Fish

"Let me help you," Travis Hunter says, steady and calm. Out on a secluded lake west of Fort Worth, this rising NFL star is in his element—not just as an elite football player, but as an avid fisherman. Surrounded by the open Texas prairie, we arrived in his powerful Dodge Ram to hunt for trophy-sized largemouth bass.

The moment my line tugged, adrenaline rushed through me as I made my first catch—a hefty 4.5-pound bass. But trouble loomed: my reel’s drag was too loose. Just as the fish started to escape, Hunter, who has excelled in multitasking throughout his football career, swiftly adjusted my reel while guiding the boat.

"That’s a good one! Don’t lose him!" he urged, energizing the atmosphere.

A Rising Star with No Limits

As Hunter expertly lifted my catch into the boat, I couldn’t help but celebrate like I’d just scored a winning touchdown. "Nice fish, dude!" he said, beaming. With the NFL Draft looming, Hunter stands on the brink of a new chapter, not just as an All-American two-way football star but as one of the most interesting prospects in recent memory.

Playing both wide receiver and cornerback at a top level, he shattered over six decades of norms in college, averaging more than 100 snaps per game. Unlike the convention that he should be pigeonholed into one position in the pros, Hunter insists on keeping his options open. "I’m not going to let anybody tell me I can’t do something I’ve already done," he declared.

Fishing: His Stress Reliever and Passion

Travis Hunter is not just a football player; he’s also a seasoned angler. Growing up in Florida, he developed a knack for fishing—landing half a dozen sizable bass in merely two hours on our trip, the largest tipping the scales at 5.5 pounds. He’s a skilled caster with a keen sense for where fish might be hiding.

Famed Major League Fishing pro Matt Becker can attest to Hunter's passion: "He instantly started trash-talking; he’s clearly competitive. If he focused on fishing like he does on football, he could be a tournament angler," Becker noted.

A Life Shaped by Hardship and Determination

Hunter’s journey to this moment hasn’t been without its struggles. Growing up in a tough neighborhood in Boynton Beach, Florida, he overcame adversity, including a period living out of a single room in a hotel with his family. This drive helped him rise from being a little-known recruit to the No. 1 prospect in his class.

His famous commitment flip from Florida State to Jackson State—motivated by legendary coach Deion Sanders—was a groundbreaking move in college football and a testimony to Hunter's fearless spirit.

Focus and Discipline in the Face of Fame

With attention from NFL scouts and media alike, Hunter isn’t getting distracted by the limelight. He values hard work over nightlife and parties, focusing instead on football, fishing, and quality time with family. He currently trains at the Athlete Performance Ranch in Fort Worth, where he pushes his limits daily.

At AP Ranch, trainers marvel at his work ethic. "He just goes and goes," says director Greg Sholars. "We should dedicate his body to science."