Eagles’ CJ Gardner-Johnson responds to Robert Griffin III on Buffalo WR/DB Travis Hunter playing both ways in the NFL

CJ Gardner-Johnson chimed in while everyone on social media was praising University of Colorado wide receiver Travis Hunter. Hunter caught national attention yet again during the Buffalo’s 31-26 win over ND State on Thursday, playing both wide receiver and cornerback like it was no big deal.

Make no mistake, Travis Hunter was impressive. He reeled in seven receptions for 132 yards and three touchdowns. He also played 43 snaps on defense, a rare feat for any football player. Obviously, that caught the attention of football fans everywhere.

Robert Griffin III couldn’t help himself and took to X make sure that everyone knows where he stands on Travis Hunter being a two-way superstar at the NFL level.

Robert Griffin III took to X to drop some high praise for Travis Hunter:

Travis Hunter keeps showing that he can and he SHOULD play both WR and CB in the NFL FULL TIME.

Man had 7 catches for 132 yards and 3 TDS at WR AND played 43 snaps on defense making tackles and locking down his side of the field.

He is a UNICORN. pic.twitter.com/D580YECfS8

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) August 30, 2024

“Travis Hunter keeps showing that he can and he SHOULD play both WR and CB in the NFL FULL TIME. Man had 7 catches for 132 yards and 3 TDS at WR AND played 43 snaps on defense making tackles and locking down his side of the field. He is a UNICORN.”

Listen, I don’t think anyone is denying the fact that Travis Hunter is an absolute freak athlete.

Playing both ways in football, in college or in the NFL is almost unheard of but at the same time, maybe we should pump the brakes a bit, yeah?

Colorado was also playing North Dakota State. They won 31-26. It wasn’t even that impressive for a Power 5 team facing a team from the Missouri Valley Conference.

Not to downplay Travis Hunter’s performance too much, but here’s one example why I’m not sold on anything during Week 1 of the College Football season.

NDSU senior Braylon Henderson was the team’s number one wide receiver with five receptions for 72 yards.  He’s 5’9” and weighs just 175 pounds. Offensively, I would fully expect Shedeur Sanders to absolutely dominate North Dakota with Travis Hunter feating in an inferior defense. 

CJ Gardner-Johnson not buying it..

Philly Eagles safety CJ Gardner-Johnson decided to be the voice of reason, throwing a little cold water on the idea of Hunter dominating two positions in the NFL.

CJ Gardner-Johnson rightfully pointed out that the pro game is a whole different beast.

Eagles‘ CJ Gardner-Johnson providing some much needed NFL insight

I respect your perspective! But bro we grown men here !!! Ain’t nobody going both ways and cooking grown men 💯 NFL A different game RGIII! I love the young guy great player but NFL is a monster!! https://t.co/lp5lwZX6S4

— C.J. Gardner-Johnson (@CGJXXIII) August 30, 2024

Again, we’ve seen some two-way players in NFL history, but it’s pretty rare. Most of the time, if a guy does play both sides, it’s more like a cameo role in one spot while pulling full-time duty in the other.

What Griffin’s talking about—a full-time two-way player? That would be a first in the modern NFL era.

Hunter is a freak-athlete, and his skills on both sides of the ball are undeniable. But playing two positions full-time in the NFL? That’s asking a lot.

The physical toll alone would be brutal, not to mention whether a GM or coach would even allow it given the injury risks. Plus, there’s the whole contract situation, which could get complicated fast.

Hunter’s definitely got the talent to make NFL scouts sit up and take notice. But as Gardner-Johnson pointed out, the NFL is a different monster.

When push comes to shove, teams will probably want him to focus on just one position. And honestly, that might be the smartest move for his career in the long run.

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