Jaguars reporter shares viral Travis Hunter moment on United Airlines flight

Ryan OLeary

Jaguars reporter shares viral Travis Hunter moment on United Airlines flight image

The Jacksonville Jaguars went all-in on making Travis Hunter the crown jewel of their 2025 rookie class, and the superstar’s infections and down-to-earth personality is already being felt in Duval County and beyond.

Clips of Hunter running routes and catching passes at rookie minicamp over the weekend made the rounds on social media, and the former two-way Colorado Buffaloes star clearly brings a vibe, often dancing and gesturing to spectators throughout the workouts.

Hunter had an even bigger viral moment off the field that was shared by Jaguars beat reporter Travis D. Holmes, who caught wind of a Facebook post from a woman who was randomly seated next to Hunter on a recent United Airlines flight.

“I had the most wonderful flight home from Denver,” read the FB post from Sandy Hawkins Combs, who included a selfie with Hunter. “I met the nicest young man who sat next to me. He offered to put my bag in the overhead compartment and helped me with my tray. He was always polite, saying "yes ma’am" or "no ma’am." Anyone would be proud to have him as a son or grandson—so polite.

“People walking by were saying congratulations, great job, or even taking pictures. I turned and asked him, “Who am I sitting next to?” I looked at his Jaguar pants, smiled, and asked, “Are you an athlete?” He smiled and said, “I’m Travis. Yes, I was drafted by the Jags.” I already told my sons I want his jersey.

“He’s so humble and down-to-earth—I would have never guessed he was a professional athlete. JACKSONVILLE JAGS, you did good! I will be buying tickets.

"United Airlines, thank you for my seat assignment!”

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When you invest the kind of future draft capital that Jacksonville did to move up and draft Hunter with the No. 2 overall pick, you’re investing as much in the person as you are the player. It’s still early, but Hunter’s legend only continues to grow in Duval.

MORE: Jaguars 2025 schedule release tracker: Latest rumors, leaks on Jacksonville’s 18-week slate

Ryan OLeary

Ryan O'Leary has spent his entire professional career in sports multimedia, working as journalist, editor, podcaster, and in live events as a content manager and show emcee. His career highlights include working as a podcast host and audio editor for USA TODAY Sports Media Group, where he led a series of NFL podcasts for the company’s top-performing NFL sites. A born and raised New Englander, Ryan’s career kicked-off in newspapers after graduating from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in journalism. He developed an affinity for small-town youth, high school and college sports, while also realizing his childhood dream of covering the Patriots in multiple AFC Championship Games. Ryan enjoys kicking it with family and friends, beating his dad and brother in chess, and arguing with anyone crazy enough to insist that Tom Brady isn’t the GOAT.