Travis Hunter's blunt Madden remarks show Jaguars have a driven game-changer

• Don't ask Travis Hunter about his Madden rating.
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) waves to someone in the stands after the Jacksonville Jaguars’ mandatory minicamp Tuesday June 10, 2025 at the Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) waves to someone in the stands after the Jacksonville Jaguars’ mandatory minicamp Tuesday June 10, 2025 at the Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union] | Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Since the Jacksonville Jaguars drafted him second overall, Travis Hunter has routinely gotten the spotlight because of his dancing moves and how relatable he is. That makes it easy to forget that he loves football and is focused on being the best player he can be. The two-way star just reminded everyone how driven he is with his latest remarks about his Madden rating.

After Day 2 of mandatory minicamp, Hunter met with the local media. He was asked about his thoughts on getting a 76 Madden rating and responded that it's not something he's investing his energy in.

"It doesn't matter, that's it," Hunter said. "I'm not worried about Madden right now. I'm worried about playing football."

That's as straightforward an answer as you'll ever get. You could make the case that it doesn't match Hunter's personality off the field, but the truth is that once he's locked up, his only concerned with football. The West Palm Beach native appeared in the trailer of Madden 26. Maybe that's why he was asked about his rating.

It's also worth noting that Hunter made headlines during the draft because he was playing video games while waiting to be selected. He then caught everyone's attention because he helped a fellow passenger during a flight back to Jacksonville. Similarly, his penchant for dancing in between reps has gotten the spotlight, but that's the thing: He knows how to balance his act.

On a related note, Hunter has been playing cornerback during minicamp after explosively lining up on offense during Organized Team Activities. Head coach Liam Coen says he's pleased with his progress.

The Jaguars' must be pleased with Travis Hunter so far

When the Jacksonville Jaguars traded up to select Travis Hunter, general manager James Gladstone stated that it was worth it because he's a sport-altering player. Whether that was hyperbole or not, it's fair to say that the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner is already leaving his mark.

Hunter's fun approach to practice has certainly been a breath of fresh air in Jacksonville. All his teammates love him, and the energy he brings to practice. Couple that with the fact that he's had a smooth transition to the NFL, while playing two positions, and it's easy to understand why he's the talk of the town.

The truth is that Travis Hunter was the top-rated prospect in last year's draft for a reason, he's quickly validating the Jaguars' decision to draft him by being focused on being the best player he can be.

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