SPORTS

Why Travis Hunter Isn't the Next Shohei Ohtani

Chicago, USATue Apr 22 2025
The hype around Travis Hunter is real. Everyone is talking about him. He is a two-way superstar in college football. He won the Heisman Trophy. It's no surprise that people are drawing comparisons to Shohei Ohtani. But is it fair? Let's break it down. First, let's talk about the differences between baseball and football. In baseball, a pitcher is crucial, but they only play once every five to six days. In football, the quarterback is the star, but the game is only once a week. So, the comparison isn't straightforward. Now, let's consider Ohtani. He's a two-way star in baseball. He's one of the best hitters and pitchers in the game. To compare someone in football to Ohtani, they would need to be a top-tier defensive player and an above-average quarterback. This is a tall order. It's like asking a player to be a Justin Herbert-level quarterback and a Patrick Surtain II-level defender. That's incredibly rare. Travis Hunter is a special talent. He has the potential to be a great two-way player in the NFL. But he won't be Ohtani. No one will. Ohtani is a unicorn. He's the only one who has done this in baseball post-integration. It's unlikely we'll see anyone like him again. The comparison is misguided. It's like comparing apples to oranges. Football and baseball are different sports with different demands. Travis Hunter is a fantastic player. He deserves to be recognized for his own achievements, not for being the next Ohtani. So, let's enjoy Travis Hunter for who he is. He's a unique talent with a bright future in the NFL. He doesn't need to be compared to Ohtani to be impressive. He's impressive all on his own.

questions

    What are the key differences between the physical demands of being a two-way player in football versus baseball?
    Imagine if Travis Hunter tried to hit a home run during a football game—what would the referees do?
    In what ways might the structure and rules of football limit a player's ability to excel in multiple positions like Ohtani does in baseball?

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