Shedeur Sanders celebrates Travis Hunter’s historic NFL Draft leap to Jacksonville Jaguars | NFL News
Travis Hunter made headlines when the Jacksonville Jaguars made a bold trade with the Cleveland Browns for a high-risk, high-reward move up to the No. 2 overall pick in the draft. Quarterback Shedeur Sanders was drafted later by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round. Notwithstanding their respective landing spots, the two were reunited at a celebration later, where both were handed their very first official NFL trading cards—a ceremonial milestone for two of the most celebrated rookies of 2025.
Bond between Shedeur Sanders, Travis Hunter stands out in NFL limelight
Shedeur Sanders, who had played with Travis Hunter at both Jackson State and the University of Colorado for head coach Deion Sanders, grinned like the cheshire cat after Travis Hunter was picked second overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2025 NFL Draft, a selection that not only was Travis Hunter’s first season in the pros but solidified the particular connection between the two old college teammates. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ aggressive trade suggested that their front office is certain that Travis Hunter has the potential to change the trajectory of the franchise.The friendship between Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter always went beyond the football field. During the recent rookie event, the two once again left the fans wondering why their buddy bonding is so great. During a humorous on-camera moment, Shedeur Sanders quipped, “We definitely the 12’s right now,” invoking the jersey number 12 donned by both players in the NFL—a compliment to Tom Brady for Shedeur and a reverse nod to his dad Deion Sanders’s famed No. 21.Even on the evening of NFL Draft night in Texas, Shedeur Sanders’s response to the selection of Travis Hunter conveyed no surprise—only immediate applause. Attended by his brother Shilo Sanders and father Deion Sanders, the family was photographed hugging and congraulating each other upon learning of Hunter’s success. The emotional response mirrored how much the affinities go between the two rookies. Hunter himself articulated his elation by saying, “I’m just super excited you know. I get to go back home and also somewhere where I wanted to play and so excited that they picked me.” The Jacksonville Jaguars selected not just a Heisman Trophy winner but also a player whose two-way play continues to set expectations in pro football.Also read: Travis Hunter vs Shedeur Sanders: The $40 million rookie gap that defines their NFL future
A new chapter begins—together, yet apart
Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter remain an inspiration with their steadfast support of each other. From draft night congratulatory chants to coordinating jersey numbers, their bond is a testament to the brotherhood created through common ambitions and dogged perseverance. As the NFL takes on two of college football’s most dynamic stars, the saga of Sanders and Hunter is only beginning—and fans will be watching.
