"I’m not gonna wear Tom Brady’s number bro": When Travis Hunter sparked a debate with his latest Patriots jersey comment

The 2024 Heisman winner, Travis Hunter, ended his collegiate career with a bowl game loss to BYU. The Colorado two-way star will now shift his focus to preparing for the upcoming 2025 NFL draft, where he is considered a top prospect.

Travis Hunter, who wore the No.12 jersey for the Colorado Buffaloes, has left a lasting legacy in the program and aims to do the same professionally. Recently, an old clip from his YouTube show with Cardinals WR Xavier Weaver resurfaced on social media, showing the two-way star discussing the possibility of being drafted by the New England Patriots.

In the clip, the Colorado WR/CB and Xavier Weaver debate whether Hunter would get to keep his No. 12 jersey if drafted by the Patriots. Hunter expressed that, out of respect for retired 7-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, who also wore No. 12 during his time with the Patriots, he would prefer a different number.

Hunter indeed stated that he does not want to wear the same number as Brady due to the quarterback's legacy:

"What if I go to the Patriots bro? I'm not gonna wear Tom Brady number bro," Hunter said. "That's too much legacy in that jersey. I respect Tom Brady too much to try to get No.12"

The New England Patriots are currently projected to have the No.1 pick in the draft next year. This came to fruition after the New York Giants secured a 45-33 victory over the Colts on Sunday. On the other hand, the Patriots lost 40-7 to the Chargers, putting them ahead of the Giants in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Travis Hunter had an incredible second season with the Colorado Buffaloes. On offense, he amassed 1,258 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. As a cornerback, he contributed 36 total tackles, four interceptions and 11 passes defended.

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CFB analyst compares Travis Hunter to NFL stars Garrett Wilson and DeAndre Hopkins

Analysts and draft experts predict that the Colorado two-way star might have to focus on one side of the ball professionally in the NFL. Many argue that NFL coaches will not be comfortable with Hunter taking on a dual role.

CFB analyst Emory Hunt also shared his views on Travis Hunter's future in the NFL. According to Hunt, the Colorado star has a versatile skill set that can be compared to several NFL stars.

"His skill set, his size and quickness, is more like Garrett Wilson, but his hands are like DeAndre Hopkins," Hunt said. "You put him there under the microscope as a defensive back. He is Trevon Diggs ... but he is Sauce Gardner in terms of coverage ability ... [it] makes him such a phenomenal prospect."

Hunter has already expressed his desire to continue being a two-way player in the NFL. It will be interesting to see if any team puts their faith in his abilities and drafts him to play on both sides of the ball, and whether he can sustain a long and successful career doing so.