Jacksonville Jaguars rookie and reigning Heisman Trophy-winner Travis Hunter appeared before his NFL debut on Sunday with a new look to signal a fresh start to his career.
Hunter’s first career start was highly anticipated for many reasons. The rare two-way talent has already ascended to superstar status during his time with the Colorado Buffaloes and coach Deion Sanders.
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The No. 2 overall pick was also part of Adidas’ drop of the first Anthony Edwards AE1 cleats, announced over the weekend.
However, it wasn’t what was on Hunter’s feet that caught the attention of fans across the NFL, but what was under his helmet.
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – AUGUST 9: Travis Hunter #12 of the Jacksonville Jaguars warms up prior to a NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Everbank Stadium on August 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, Florida….
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – AUGUST 9: Travis Hunter #12 of the Jacksonville Jaguars warms up prior to a NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Everbank Stadium on August 9, 2025 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images)
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Hunter appeared before the game with a surprise, freshly-shaved head after wearing locs throughout his college career. The video went viral on X (formerly Twitter), garnering over six million views.
Many fans took to the comments to discuss Hunter’s new look, which drew widespread reactions.
The Jaguars’ season opener against the Carolina Panthers experienced a weather delay in the early slate of games on Sunday. At halftime, Hunter had a team-high four catches for 22 yards receiving and also took several snaps at cornerback.
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Jacksonville traded up to land Hunter with the No. 2 overall pick in April’s draft as a cornerstone player for first-year head coach Liam Coen and general manager James Gladstone’s takeover of the franchise.
“Travis, in fact, as a player is rare,” Gladstone said during Hunter’s introductory press conference. “As a person, he’s also rare. When we say that the idea of inviting people into our ecosystem, who by being nothing more than who they are, elevate the space … that’s the epitome of what Travis is. We’re not going to ask him to be any more than him because by doing so, he elevates not only this football team, not only this city, but the sport itself.”
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