Travis Hunter Recalls Heartwarming Interaction with Stranger: "I Took Care of Her Like I Do My Grandparents"

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter recently made a cross-country flight memorable for a fellow passenger, Sandy Hawkins Combs, simply by being himself. The encounter left such a positive impression on Combs that she declared she would ask her sons to buy his jersey—a gesture Hunter humbly described as no more than an extension of his everyday manners.

“It was just a regular interaction. It was me being me,” Hunter explained in a recent interview. “A nice lady sat next to me, we conversed, and made sure I took care of her like I do my grandparents or any elderly person. So yeah, that’s all it was.”

For Combs, however, the experience stood out. In a heartfelt Facebook post, she described Hunter as the “nicest young man” on her flight home from Denver, praising his politeness and helpfulness, from lifting her bag to assisting with her tray. She said, “Anyone would be proud to have him as a son or grandson—so polite.” She went on to recount how passersby recognized Hunter and congratulated him, prompting her to ask about his identity. Upon learning he was the Jaguars’ second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, she decided she wanted his jersey.

Hunter, who has been in the public eye since his time at Colorado, continues to draw attention for both his play and his demeanor. Yet, despite the growing spotlight, he remains grounded. “Humbleness is how I got here, so that’s all I know,” he said. “Be humble and just put in the work. Keep my head down and grind.”

The rookie is also reaching a hallmark moment in his career: the release of his first official NFL trading card. Partnering with Panini America at the NFLPA Rookie Premiere, Hunter will soon see himself featured on collectible cards alongside other incoming rookies.

Hunter admitted that the idea of his rookie card holding significant value is exciting, but he recognizes it will take more than one kind gesture to secure his legacy. “I don’t know,” he laughed when asked how much he’d pay for his own card. “I still got to put in some work.”

• Politeness off the field: Hunter's genuine personality shines through in daily life, not just during games.
• Bright future ahead: As anticipation builds for his NFL debut, fans—old and new—are eager to see what the humble star will do next.

For Sandy Hawkins Combs and many others, Travis Hunter is already one to watch, both as a player and as a person.