Travis Hunter’s rookie deal is breaking NFL norms in a huge way

Travis Hunter has officially secured his bag, and oh my goodness, is it a big one. Earlier this week, former Colorado two-way player signed his first-ever NFL contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and broke many norms in the process.

Not only did the Jags send out two announcements about Hunter's signing, one for signing him as a wide receiver and another for signing him as a defensive back, but Jacksonville also gave him his entire signing bonus upfront.

Travis Hunter signs ground-breaking deal with Jacksonville Jaguars

This was the first time in NFL history that a non-quarterback, who wasn't selected first overall in the Draft, received their entire bonus on signing day.

With a swipe of his signature, Hunter pocketed a jaw-dropping $30.57 million before ever playing an in-game snap (on either side of the ball) for the Jaguars.

Leading up to the draft, Hunter repeatedly expressed that he wouldn't play for an NFL franchise that didn't allow him to play on both sides of the ball. Jacksonville made sure that his dream came to fruition after just a few weeks of mandatory minicamps.

Hunter was drafted second overall, only following former Miami quarterback Cam Ward, who was drafted by the Tennessee Titans. The defending Heisman Trophy and Walter Camp Award winner is expected to make a big splash in the league as a rookie, and this contract only adds to the pressure.

Yes, Hunter was a dominant force for the Buffaloes over the last two seasons, playing nearly 87 percent of the team's snaps during his senior season. However, the NFL is a different monster, and Hunter is going to have to prove that he deserves both of the announcements that Jacksonville released.

The Jags are scheduled to kick off their 2025 campaign with a home game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Sept. 7. Both Colorado and Jacksonville fans (or just football fans in general) can tune into FOX at 11 a.m. MT to watch Hunter back in action.