NFL Veteran Drops Reality Check on Travis Hunter originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Entering his 13th NFL season with the Kansas City Chiefs, three-time Super Bowl winner Travis Kelce has seen it all.
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His experience was vital in mentoring rookies on the Chiefs offense in 2024, such as wide receiver Xavier Worthy and tight end Jared Wiley.
“More than anything it’s the leadership he brings to the building every day,” Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes said of Kelce this offseason. “How he leads by example, how he leads vocally, it’s a big impact to our football team.”
Part of helping young players adapt to the NFL is setting realistic expectations. When Kelce was asked about Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter, he had no issue sharing how he expects the league to make life “miserable” for the former Colorado Buffaloes two-way star.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (left) and Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter (right).Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images; Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union
“Travis Hunter, man, the guy’s really good,” Kelce told Will Compton and Taylor Lewan on their “Bussin’ with the Boys” podcast.
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They were reflecting on Colorado’s 34-23 win over Kelce’s alma mater, University of Cincinnati in 2024, propelled by Hunter’s nine receptions for 153 yards and two touchdowns.
The Chiefs tight end declared that Hunter will “100 percent” be good in the NFL, but he raised concerns about the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft potentially playing cornerback and wide receiver like he did in college.
“Both sides? See, that’s the thing,” Kelce said. “I don’t know how they’re gonna divvy it out. Because teams are gonna be going after him. They are gonna try to make his day miserable.”
“If he plays corner, they’re gonna run deep balls at him all day, just to try to get him tired,” Kelce explained. “Why wouldn’t you attack him that way?”
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Hunter is expected to get reps on offense and defense in 2025, even though the Jaguars limited him to one side of the ball per practice this offseason as he eases his way into the NFL.
Hunter, 22, will make his NFL debut at home against the Carolina Panthers in Week 1 on Sep. 7. The Chiefs will be able to put Kelce’s theory to the test in Week 5, when they meet the Jaguars on “Monday Night Football.”
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 1, 2025, where it first appeared.