Travis Hunter entered his rookie season with the Jacksonville Jaguars carrying huge expectations. As the No. 2 overall pick, he was projected to become one of the rare modern two-way players capable of changing games on both sides of the ball.
Everything changed at the end of October when Hunter suffered a serious knee injury during practice. Doctors later confirmed he had torn his LCL, an injury that required surgery and immediately ended his rookie season.
The loss was a major setback for Jacksonville. Hunter had begun to carve out a defined role, and his versatility added a layer of unpredictability to the offense and secondary. Despite the setback, Hunter hasn’t been isolated from the team’s world.
His wife, Leanna, has continued to be a steady presence around the organization. Today, she made an appearance at the Jaguars’ game against the Arizona Cardinals, showing up in the stands in full support even though her husband cannot play.
She posted a picture of the field from her seat, making it clear she wanted to be there for the team and stay connected to the environment Hunter loves.
Being sidelined for an entire year can be mentally draining, especially for a competitor who entered the league with enormous expectations. Having a partner who remains present, visible, and invested helps maintain morale.
For the Jaguars, it also reinforces the idea that Hunter remains part of the fabric of the team, even while recovering. The Jaguars now face the challenge of progressing without one of their most exciting new talents. It will take time for Hunter to recover, and even longer to regain the explosiveness that made him so coveted.
Skip Bayless Criticized Travis Hunter
While fans and those close to Hunter have shown unwavering support, not everyone in the sports world has been as generous. Skip Bayless publicly questioned the situation surrounding Hunter earlier this season.
He argued that the environment in Jacksonville wasn’t normal for a player with Hunter’s level of ability, particularly considering how limited his defensive usage had been. Bayless suggested that the minimal involvement might have been affecting Hunter’s engagement, implying that the young star was beginning to drift mentally because the team wasn’t utilizing his elite defensive talent.
“These are not normal circumstances for Travis Hunter, the football player,” Bayless said. “The Jags are using him so little, especially on defense, where he’s the most gifted, all-time gifted, that Travis Hunter is starting to lose interest. He’s starting to check out mentally on the Jags.”
There is no way Travis Hunter should’ve chosen to be baptized on the morning of a game. He is losing interest. He is mentally checking out on the Jags. pic.twitter.com/hzqydPXSYG
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) October 15, 2025
According to Bayless, the reduced defensive snaps and unclear role could lead a player like Hunter to become detached from the process.
Read More:
Who Are Julian Lewis’ Parents? A Closer Look at the Colorado Quarterback’s Family
Top 7 Deion Sanders Memes As Colorado’s Questionable Playcalls Lead To First Loss Of the Season
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
