Travis Hunter isn’t just a standout football player.
On a flight back home from Denver, Sandy Hawkins Combs was seated next to the Jaguars’ newest star. But before learning how special of a player Hunter is, she learned how special of a human he is.
“I had the most wonderful flight home from Denver. I met the nicest young man who sat next to me,” Combs posted to Facebook. “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.”
When other passengers on the United Airlines flight began congratulating Hunter on being drafted to Jacksonville and even taking pictures with him, Combs started to question who exactly this man seated next to her was.
“I turned and asked him, ‘Who am I sitting next to?’” Combs continued in the post. “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.”
With even the most unsuspecting people quickly becoming fans, Hunter’s off to a good start with his new NFL home and its fanbase.
The Jaguars clearly liked what they saw from the former Colorado Buffalo following during his collegiate career as they traded up to pick No. 2 in the draft to select him.
And with run-ins like these in a public setting, it’s looking like Jacksonville’s choice to select the most recent Heisman Trophy winner went beyond just the football field.
Hunter’s character earned himself a new fan and the team a future customer.
“He’s so humble and down-to-earth—I would have never guessed he was a professional athlete,” Combs wrote. “JACKSONVILLE JAGS, you did good! I will be buying tickets.”