Travis Hunter shrugs off Madden 26 rating talk, locks in at Jaguars minicamp
Travis Hunter shrugs off Madden 26 rating talk (Credit: Imagn Images)
While fans debate his projected Madden 26 rating, Travis Hunter is tuning out the hype and locking into what really matters, performing at Jaguars minicamp. The rookie sensation, known for his rare two-way ability, is focused on earning snaps — not scores.
No time for noise — Travis Hunter's locked into the grind
Travid Hunter is not chasing digital validation — he's chasing real results. With a demanding training camp underway, Hunter is proving his mindset is as sharp as his skillset.
'That's the Madden rating, that's it,' Hunter said with a smile. When asked how quickly he could raise the number, he added, 'I'm not worried about a Madden rating right now. I'm worried about playing football.'
Hunter's commitment is already turning heads in Jacksonville.
Coaches have praised his attitude, and he's been splitting time at both cornerback and wide receiver — the same dual-role dominance that made him a star at Colorado. Early in camp, his footwork, instincts, and field awareness have been on display.
His name has also been buzzing in the gaming world. During a recent promo event for Madden 26, Hunter playfully challenged NFL legend Chad Johnson after being projected a 76 overall.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
No Distractions. Just Solitaire
Play Solitaire
Download
Undo
The rookie insisted he deserved at least an 85, even offering to go one-on-one to prove it. While the moment drew laughs, EA Sports took note — introducing a new 'Iron Man' feature in Madden designed to mirror Hunter's real-life versatility.
It's a first for any rookie.
Still, projections suggest he'll debut in the high-70s — solid, but with room to grow. But for Hunter, the real test isn't digital. It's what he does every day on the field.
Off the field, a life milestone worth more than ratings
On May 24, Travis Hunter married longtime partner Leanna Lenee in a heartfelt Tennessee ceremony. The moment went viral after he surprised her with a white Mercedes G-Wagon — a gesture as bold as his playstyle. For Hunter, it's not just a new season in football, but in life too.
Also read:
'He's done everything right': Cam Newton addresses harsh treatment of Travis Hunter's wife online
For Travis Hunter, ratings can wait. He's focused on building something far more lasting — a career, a legacy, and a life defined by drive and discipline.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's most romantic sports moments ever
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's most romantic sports moments ever (Image via Getty) Ever since Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce started dating in 2023, fans have been hooked. But it's not just their red carpet outings or public statements that have made headlines; it's those spontaneous, heartwarming game day moments that truly tug at everyone's heartstrings. From emotional sideline hugs to candid glances caught on live broadcasts, the duo has managed to turn every sports outing into something memorable. Across the 2024 and 2025 football seasons, their appearances have blended pop culture with game-day excitement, leaving both Swifties and NFL loyalists completely charmed. September 24, 2023: Taylor Swift's first Chiefs Game It all started at Arrowhead Stadium. Taylor Swift made her public debut as Kelce's biggest fan while watching the Kansas City Chiefs face off against the Chicago Bears. She sat next to Travis Kelce's mom, Donna Kelce, and was seen enthusiastically cheering every touchdown. That single appearance instantly made headlines and officially kick-started the most public romance in NFL history. October 1, 2023: MetLife Magic Just a week later, Taylor Swift was back, this time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey as the Chiefs played the New York Jets. She didn't come alone. Swift brought along an A-list entourage, including Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, Sabrina Carpenter, and Sophie Turner. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No Distractions. Just Solitaire Play Solitaire Download Undo Her animated reactions and team spirit proved she wasn't just a casual attendee; she was there for her guy. November 2023: VIP with Taylor Swift's Dad In a sweet switch from game day to concert night, Travis Kelce joined Taylor's father, Scott Swift, in the VIP tent during her Eras Tour performance. This moment, though off the football field, spoke volumes. The sight of Kelce bonding with Swift's dad was a public display of how deeply their relationship had grown and how it now involved both families. Post-AFC Championship hug (January 2024) As the Chiefs advanced in the NFL playoffs, emotions ran high and so did the romance. After one of the team's crucial victories in January, Taylor Swift rushed onto the field to embrace Travis Kelce in front of thousands of fans and live TV cameras. Their heartfelt hug and kiss amid the celebration perfectly captured their growing bond and Swift's full-circle role in his victories. February 11, 2024: Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, famous kiss This was the big one. Taylor Swift flew in from Tokyo after her Eras Tour to witness the Chiefs take on the 49ers and win. As the confetti rained down, Taylor Swift joined Kelce on the field for another unforgettable embrace. Their celebratory kiss not only went viral but was later featured in TIME Magazine's Top Moments of 2024. February 9, 2025: Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans Taylor Swift was once again in the stands this time in New Orleans as the Chiefs clashed with the Eagles. She arrived with her brother Austin, Ice Spice, and the Haim sisters, standing out in a red bomber jacket and full Chiefs gear. Travis Kelce later credited Taylor's unwavering support and tireless work ethic as one of his biggest inspirations leading into the game. 2023–2025: Season-Long Support Across two seasons, Taylor Swift has attended more than 20 NFL games. In 2023 alone, she made it to 13 games. In 2024, she was present at 9 out of 10 home games, only skipping one due to her final Eras Tour concert. Though she avoided most away games for privacy and safety reasons, she never missed a Super Bowl. Her loyalty became a defining part of the Chiefs' sideline atmosphere. March 2025: Confirming Her NFL Return Even amid online negativity during Super Bowl season, Swift shut down the noise. In March, it was confirmed she would continue attending Travis Kelce's games for the 2025–2026 NFL season. Reports from multiple outlets highlighted her excitement about standing by him through another season of highs and challenges. Their Stadium Love Story Continues Whether it's a Super Bowl celebration or a sweet sideline moment during a flag football game, Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift continue to show what genuine support looks like in a high-profile relationship. Sports fans love the way Taylor fully embraces the energy of the stadium, while Swifties adore seeing Travis shine with pride both on and off the field. Their game-related moments are a perfect blend of celebrity charm and authentic connection, and fans across the world are eagerly waiting to see what the 2025 NFL season has in store for this beloved couple.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'Put him to sleep in the first round' - Ilia Topuria issues a brutal warning for Charles Oliveira ahead of UFC 317 vacant lightweight title bout
Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira. Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC UFC 317 has everyone's eyes fixated, as fans will see their favourite fighters in action once again after a long hiatus involving weight class moves and multiple rounds of back-and-forth negotiations to finalise the bout. Former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria will now be facing former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title . While Oliveira is on a mission to reclaim the championship belt, Topuria has his sights set on achieving two-weight championship status and issues a brutal warning for the former lightweight. Ilia Topuria acknowledges Charles Oliveira's fighting abilities while being confident about his own set of skills, aims for a finish in first round itself After winning the featherweight championship belt against Alexander Volkanovski, Ilia Topuria's last bout was against Max Holloway, in which the Georgian fighter retained his title. Having defended his title, the fighter announced his move up to the lightweight division in February 2025, and since then, Topuria started calling out Islam Makhachev, the then-lightweight champion, for a title bout, but was met with no response. Makhachev seemingly was not much interested in facing Topuria and instead wanted to move up the weight category. Post UFC 315, where Belal Muhammad lost his title to Jack Della Maddalena, Makhachev, too, vacated his title and shifted to the welterweight division for a direct title shot. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo Even though the shakeup across the division killed the expectations for a highly anticipated bout between Topuria and Makhachev, El Matador has now been placed against another strong lightweight contender and former champion of the division, Charles Oliveira. Oliveira won three out of his last five bouts, one of which was a title loss to Makhachev. Despite this, he is known for his striking abilities and submission techniques. Trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the fighter has even knocked out some of the greatest contenders of the division, including Michael Chandler and Beneil Dariush. While both fighters are preparing for the upcoming bout with their respective aims set, Topuria acknowledges the abilities of the former lightweight champion, while also believing that a guaranteed win awaits the former featherweight. In a recent interview, the fighter stated, 'Charles is a great fighter. I'd say he's a legendary fighter, one of the few still active in the UFC.' He further continued, 'But the truth is that his style fits perfectly with mine, to put him to sleep in the first round because he has no mobility, he doesn't move.' Also read: Kamaru Usman stuns audience with a brutal take on former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad ahead of the former's UFC Atlanta showdown Ever since losing the title to Makhachev, Oliveira did not get a title shot despite the fact that he had defended it twice after winning it against Michael Chandler at UFC 262. This makes the upcoming bout crucial for the fighter to establish his prominence once again within the division.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Pascal Saikam sends inspiring message to Indiana Pacers to seize rare NBA Finals opportunity ahead of Game 3: 'Don't know when you're going to get the opportunity again'
Pascal Saikam sends inspiring message to Indiana Pacers to seize rare NBA Finals opportunity ahead of Game 3 (Image Source: Getty) Pascal Saikam made a stunning victory back in 2019, which has typically been for the history books. Now that all eyes are on Game 3, Saikam sent out an inspiring message for his teammates, ensuring that this golden opportunity that has led them to Finals, shouldn't be missed — at all. For Indiana Pacers' star Tyrese Haliburton, it has been a significant player during the current NBA Finals, where he has led the team to a solid game this season. But Haliburton has paced up to this level, thanks to his teammate Pascal Saikam. Pascal Saikam's encouraging message for his teammates ahead of Game Pascal Saikam managed to win the NBA Championship in his third year, when he was playing for Toronto Raptors. But now, Saikam is back, and he's going to play with the Indiana Pacers, and while he knows getting to Finals is not an easy task and requires hard work and dedication, he shared an inspiring message with his teammates, ahead of Game 3. As per Saikam said after Indiana Pacers clinched towards the Eastern Conference, 'I was telling the guys, for me, I got there when I was in year three, and I thought I would get back there a lot. It didn't happen, You don't know when you're going to get [this opportunity] again. So I think we have to have a mindset of going out there and just giving everything that we've got knowing that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo ' For Tyrese Haliburton, playing NBA Finals is an opportunity he won't ever forget. But for his teammate, Pascal Saikam, it is a moment he is able to recall again. Now that Siakam has been sharing his learnings with Haliburton, According to Haliburton said, 'He might be a little annoyed by me at this point with all the questions I ask of those Finals runs, It's been that way since he's gotten here. I consistently ask questions. ' Reacting to the same, Pascal said, 'I'm not annoyed with him. That's funny, He's a student of the game, he wants to learn…To me, I just try to keep him just levelheaded, understanding there's going to be times where it doesn't go as planned. We have to find a way to overcome that.' Also Read: American rapper Jay-Z lost millions after Indiana Pacers defeated Oklahoma City Thunder in NBA Finals Game 3 Now, all eyes are on Indiana Pacers Vs Oklahoma City Thunder for Game 3 of NBA Finals. The Pacers are in need of two solid wins to secure the championship in their favor.
