Travis Hunter assumed he'd be offered No. 12 if he was drafted to the New England Patriots; denying that he'd ever wear the number Tom Brady made famous with six Super Bowl Championships in two decades.
“If I don’t get No. 12, bro, I’m going No. 48,. Bro, what if I go to the Patriots? I’m not gonna wear Tom Brady’s number, bro. That’s too much legacy in that jersey,” Hunter said (h/t MassLive). “I respect Tom Brady too much. I respect Tom Brady too much to try to get No. 12.”
Of course, the Patriots have already retired No. 12. And if there's a franchise that'd less likely give up that number, it's New England. Brady's branding revolves around "TB12," and that brand would take a massive hit if his number was unretired for any reason. Robert Kraft also has a strong relationship with Brady and has praised him since his departure from the Patriots.
Hunter was likely being naive here -- likely just being dramatic to make his point. But with Heisman contention -- and with his odds improving during the bye week, perhaps a Heisman Trophy win come December -- Hunter could expect the NFL to bend to his will.
Travis Hunter about to give the NFL a major problem
Hunter is about to give head coaches fits. Hunter will want to play both sides of the ball, but his offensive and defensive coordinators are most certainly going to fight over whether that's a good idea or not.
Deion Sanders will be sure to chime in too, whether he's head coach of Colorado still or if he's enjoying retirement in the foothills.
For all the talent Hunter brings, NFL teams may not be prepared for the accompanying narratives coming too.