Michael Irvin has one piece of advice for Travis Hunter before the NFL Draft: “Shohei Ohtani my money to me”

Michael Irvin advised the two-way superstar Travis Hunter to leverage his ability to play both sides to land a contract like Shohei Ohtani.

Michael Irvin has one piece of advice for Travis Hunter before the NFL Draft: “Shohei Ohtani my money to me”

Travis Hunter and Michael Irvin (Via Athlon Sports/Yahoo Sports)

Travis Hunter’s case for the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft solidified after winning the prestigious Heisman Trophy. As a two-way superstar, he now faces a pivotal decision before making his professional debut: whether to play as a wide receiver or cornerback. But legendary Michael Irvin wants him to leverage it. 

During the recent episode of Fox Sports’ Speak, the Dallas Cowboys legend offered much-needed advice to the young star. Instead of letting the NFL dictate the position he should play, Irvin advised Hunter to take inspiration from MBA prodigy Shohei Ohtani. 

This means he should tell any team that drafts him of his desire to play both positions– a move that would mark a historic first in the NFL. And if that’s not the case, he would prefer not to be drafted at all. The Pro Hall of Famer believes Hunter can really leverage his talent of playing both sides of the ball in the future to land a contract as lucrative as Ohtani’s $700 million in the MLB. 

If I’m Travis Hunter, I’m putting it out right now… If you’re not letting me play both ways, don’t draft me. I’m telling you, ‘No, I’m playing both ways,’ and in three years from now, y’all will Shohei Ohtani my money to me. You see what I’m saying? I’m gonna play both sides.

Michael Irvin said

Irvin believes the Colorado Buffaloes star has the potential to become legendary, just like he stood out in collegiate football. Part of the reason for that has been his ability to play both sides; choosing just one could hinder his overall development. 

Travis Hunter aims to make history as NFL’s first true two-way player

Even though there are no precedents, Hunter believes he would ace playing offense and defense in the NFL just like he has been doing since high school. However, the scouts and General Manager don’t seem to be in sync with this, believing that such viability at a pro level like the National Football League may turn arduous. 

Travis Hunter won Heisman Trophy, 2024
Travis Hunter won the Heisman Trophy, 2024 (Via AP News)

I’m motivated when people tell me I can’t do something. That I can’t dominate on both sides of the ball. I want to be an example for others that anything is possible. Keep pursuing your dreams.

Travis Hunter said about playing both sides

Winning the Heisman Trophy has improved his draft projections to the No. 1 overall pick and the New York Giants as the favorite to acquire the pick. Even if the first overall goes to a quarterback, Hunter is consensus at least top 3 picks in the next year’s draft. 

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