Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders has taken the Jacksonville Jaguars to task for failing to consult him about the future of Travis Hunter, the two‑way phenom he helped shepherd from Jackson State to a Heisman‑winning career at Colorado.
The Jaguars invested a massive trade package to secure Hunter’s rights, but Sanders says the franchise’s decision to move forward without his input reflects a broader reluctance to engage the very mind that shaped the player’s rise.
The Making of a Heisman Star
Sanders points to the durability and playmaking brilliance Hunter displayed under his tutelage, noting that the quarterback‑receiver’s ability to stay on the field and produce big numbers was no accident.
Analyst Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk has argued that the Jaguars could have benefited from Sanders’ insider perspective, especially given Hunter’s unique skill set and the cultural fit he brings to Jacksonville.
Behind the scenes, the team cites ‘Daddy Ball’ accusations and the potential for controversy as reasons to keep Hunter’s development strictly in‑house, preferring to avoid the glare that comes with a coach’s public voice.
The franchise also has its eyes on Shedeur Sanders, Deion’s son, who was selected in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns and now faces a battle for the starting role against veteran Deshaun Watson.
Todd Monken, the Browns’ offensive coordinator, has spoken about the competition, while Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer has highlighted the strategic importance of the draft pick for the team’s future.
Shilo Sanders, another of Deion’s sons, has already made his mark in the league, underscoring the family’s deep roots in the sport and adding another layer to the narrative.