One of the most fascinating plotlines for the 2025 season will be Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter's attemp to play both sides of the ball.
It's not only a story in training camp, in which his snaps on offense and defense are tracked daily. It will remain a talking point as the season starts and the Jags implement their initial plans for Hunter. Then, as the grind rolls into the winter, will they need to adjust? Can any player handle that toll for a full year? If not, which side will become his main focus? If so, what might his production look like on each side? And is it even possible to win both the Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year awards?
We're in uncharted waters here.
Given the uncertainty, it's natural that players across the league will be asked for their opinions on Hunter.
Los Angeles Rams star receiver Davante Adams was asked during a recent episode of The Pivot podcast about his thoughts on Hunter's ability to play two ways. The 32-year-old expressed concerns for any player attempting to take on that many snaps.
"I don't think it's possible to do for real," Adams said of Hunter playing both ways for his entire career. "Not at a high level, and then go in there. It's hard enough to go cover a punt and then be on one side. And I haven't done it. I'm not acting like I'm on kickoff or punt, but I see the dudes. … That's just a lot of mileage, and I don't know how long, I'm not even concerned so much if he can do it over the course of a game or a season. It's more like how long is his career going to be if he's playing that many snaps? All you're doing is just doubling your risk for injury, and I don't wish any of that on him. I hope he can play an injury-free season and go ball out. But it's just the reality.
"The more you're on the field, I mean, it's already a 100% injury guarantee. Once you get out there playing both sides and now you've got to tackle? You've got to tackle Derrick Henry with that frame? I mean, he's athletic as hell, but the athleticism, he better do some ninja s--- if he wants to use that to get him down. It's a lot of football to play."
Before we get any further, it's necessary to point out that Adams isn't "hating" on Hunter. In a previous answer, Adams said the Jags rookie was one of the top three players in the league he was rooting for this season, noting he'd "love to go see him ball, whether it's offense or defense."
The skepticism from Adams doesn't come across as demeaning or scoffing at the idea of playing both ways. Rather, it seems a genuine concern for a talented young player's ability to stay healthy.
The 12-year vet is likely using his own experience as a guide in his comments. During Adams' first few seasons in Green Bay, he battled injuries, including an ankle issue that sapped some of his ability to get off the line of scrimmage. Once he put those issues mostly in the past, his career took off, and he's been one of the best wideouts at winning off the line and creating separation.
Opinions like Adams' make what Hunter is trying to accomplish fascinating. It's not just pundits with a mic who have never played questioning the ability to play both ways in the NFL for 17 games over an entire career. Players in the grind, who know what it takes to suit up each week, also raise an eyebrow.
None of the speculation or questions will change Hunter's plan. He's been adamant that he can withstand the punishment. If he does, he'll earn deserved praise as a generational talent who is accomplishing something unprecedented in the modern era.
