Davante Adams understands the toll that a decade of playing as a wide receiver can take on the body. Recently, he shared his thoughts on Travis Hunter, the rookie from the Jaguars, who is making waves as a two-way player, excelling as both a wide receiver and a cornerback.
On The Pivot Podcast, Adams mentioned that Hunter is someone he’s excited to watch this season. “I want to see Travis Hunter do his thing,” Adams said, expressing his enthusiasm for Hunter’s talent.
However, Adams raised concerns about the sustainability of Hunter’s dual role. He believes it’s tough for players to perform at a high level on both offense and defense for an extended period. “I don’t even think it’s possible to do, for real. Not at a high level,” he remarked.
While Adams sees potential for Hunter to make an impact early in his career, he questions the long-term effects on Hunter’s body. He pointed out that playing both sides means increased physical demands, especially when tackling larger players like Derrick Henry. “How long is his career going to be if he’s playing that many snaps?” Adams asked.
Historically, few players have succeeded in taking significant snaps on both sides of the ball in modern football. In fact, no player has maintained a long career as a full-time contributor on both offense and defense in over 50 years. The strain is substantial, making Adams’s concerns valid.
Recent statistics support this view. A survey by the NFL Players Association showed that players who take on dual roles often face a higher risk of injury. With the NFL’s current pace and intensity, longevity can be challenging for even the most gifted athletes.
Hunter has all the skills needed to be great, but it remains to be seen if he can maintain this dual capacity throughout his career. Fans are eager to see how this unfolds, with social media buzzing about Hunter’s potential.
As the season kicks off, all eyes are on Hunter. Will he defy the odds or become another name in a long list of dual-role players who couldn’t keep up? Only time will tell.
For more insights on the physical demands of athletes in the NFL, check out the NFL Players Association report on player health and safety.
