Champ Bailey on Travis Hunter’s Two-Way NFL Dream \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Hall of Famer Champ Bailey believes Travis Hunter’s dream of playing both wide receiver and cornerback in the NFL is possible—but extremely difficult. Hunter’s talent is undeniable, but Bailey warns of the toll and preparation needed. Fit, coaching, and patience will determine his NFL success.
Quick Looks
- Champ Bailey says playing both sides in NFL is “almost unrealistic”
- Bailey knows from experience—he briefly played both WR and CB in the pros
- Hunter caught 96 passes and made 4 INTs last season at Colorado
- Logged over 1,400 snaps in 2024—nearly 500 more than most NFL defenders
- Bailey warns of the physical, mental, and emotional toll at the pro level
- Hunter demands to play both WR and CB in the NFL
- Projected to be drafted No. 2 overall by the Cleveland Browns
- Coach Deion Sanders supported Hunter playing both ways in college
- Bailey stresses the importance of team fit, coaching structure, and patience
- Scouts split on Hunter’s primary NFL position: offense or defense
Deep Look
Travis Hunter’s unprecedented college football feats have set him apart from his peers, but the next chapter of his career—playing both wide receiver and cornerback in the NFL—may prove to be his toughest challenge yet. And few understand that better than Champ Bailey, a Hall of Fame cornerback and one of the last elite two-way players to come out of college.
In a candid discussion ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, Bailey praised Hunter’s athleticism but issued a sobering reality check.
“It’s easy to say, ‘Oh yeah, he can play both,’” Bailey said. “But there’s so much preparation that goes into just one position. To do both consistently at the NFL level? That’s a whole other beast.”
Hunter, the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, turned heads with his ability to dominate on both sides of the ball for Colorado, coached by fellow Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. Last season, he recorded 96 receptions for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns, and on defense, added 35 tackles, 11 pass breakups, and 4 interceptions. All told, Hunter logged a staggering 1,461 snaps, nearly 500 more than NFL Defensive Player of the Year Patrick Surtain II played in a full 17-game season.
More Than Athleticism: Mental, Physical, and Emotional Toll
Bailey emphasized that excelling as a two-way NFL player requires mastering two playbooks, juggling conflicting position meetings, and enduring double the physical and mental strain. From a logistical standpoint alone, Bailey says it’s nearly impossible—unless the stars align perfectly.
“It’s almost unrealistic when you think about it,” Bailey admitted. “But he’s such a rare talent, you can’t rule it out.”
Bailey himself was a two-way force at the University of Georgia, winning the Bronko Nagurski Award in 1998 after intercepting three passes and catching 47 balls for 744 yards and five touchdowns. But once he entered the NFL, he was swiftly relegated to full-time cornerback duties after being drafted by Washington in 1999.
During his 15-year Hall of Fame career, Bailey was targeted at wide receiver just nine times, catching three passes. A mid-season coaching change early in his career nixed his dreams of playing both ways.
“Timing is everything,” Bailey said. “Had I started with a different coach, I might never have played offense.”
Fit, Coaching, and Patience Are Key
Hunter has made it clear to every NFL team that he won’t sign unless he’s allowed to play both offense and defense. Projected to go No. 2 overall to the Cleveland Browns, he’s looking for a coaching staff willing to accommodate his rare vision.
But Bailey warns that Hunter’s ability to play both ways depends on landing in the right environment—one with coaches willing to collaborate, teammates who support him, and a system that gives him time to adjust and succeed.
“He needs a head coach who can prevent offensive and defensive coordinators from fighting over him,” Bailey said.
If position meetings overlap, Bailey added, Hunter would need to work overtime every day just to stay caught up. Learning the complex communication and schemes on both sides of the ball isn’t something that can be half-learned.
“Doing one job at this level is hard,” he said. “Doing both is just… a lot.”
The Inevitable Question: Which Side Should Be Primary?
NFL scouts are split on where Hunter will be most effective. Some believe he’s a rare cornerback talent with elite length and ball skills—traits that are increasingly scarce. Others point to his explosive receiving stats and believe he could be a game-changing offensive weapon.
“You can’t ignore 1,300 receiving yards,” Bailey said. “That’s high-level production. But his traits at corner are just as rare.”
The team that drafts Hunter will have to decide where to focus his development, because full-time play on both sides is unsustainable long-term, Bailey said. Still, Hunter’s athletic prime gives him a short window to try it.
“If I had to bet on it, he’ll settle into one position eventually,” Bailey said. “But right now, while he’s fresh and still young—you take that shot.”
Bailey’s overall message is one of admiration tempered by realism. Hunter’s potential is historic, but the road ahead is steep and full of hard choices. Fit, structure, and opportunity will decide whether he becomes the NFL’s next great two-way star—or a case study in what could have been.
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