Colorado star Travis Hunter is poised to be one of the top picks in the 2025 NFL Draft after an impressive collegiate career with the Buffaloes. The talented two-way player has turned heads with his exceptional performances on both offense and defense, solidifying his reputation as one of the best prospects in college football.
Throughout his time with Colorado, Hunter has worn the iconic No. 12 jersey. However, transitioning that number to the NFL could be complicated, thanks to none other than Tom Brady.
Brady, the legendary quarterback who wore No. 12 for all 23 years of his career, made the number synonymous with greatness as he led both the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers to multiple Super Bowl victories. For Hunter, the legacy of that number means there could be obstacles in carrying it over to the pros.
Hunter addressed this issue recently on his podcast, The Travis Hunter Show, acknowledging that he’s open to changing his jersey number once he makes it to the NFL—especially if he is drafted by the Patriots. The Patriots organization retired No. 12 this past summer to honor Brady’s unparalleled contributions to the franchise, making it off-limits for future players.
“I mean, if I don’t get No. 12, bro, I’m going No. 40,” Hunter said on the show. “What if I go to the Patriots, bro? I’m not finna wear Tom Brady’s number. I wouldn’t even want to do that. It’s all about respect. I’m telling you, I’ma rock No. 40 though. Nobody wants to give me No. 12, they want me to pay for it, bro. Say goodbye.”
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Hunter’s comments reveal both his pragmatism and his sense of respect for the history of the game. He’s well aware of the significance of No. 12 in the NFL, and especially what it means in New England, where Tom Brady’s accomplishments have earned him a permanent place in the hearts of Patriots fans.
The prospect of wearing No. 12 in New England would be unthinkable, and Hunter made it clear that he would rather choose a new number than try to take on that legacy.
Even outside of New England, wearing No. 12 might still be a complicated choice for Hunter. Though the Buccaneers have not officially retired Brady’s number, the idea of donning No. 12 in Tampa Bay could still be seen as a sensitive issue, given Brady’s recent success with the franchise, including leading the team to a Super Bowl victory in 2021.
Hunter seems to understand the importance of respecting the legacies of players who came before him, and he is more than willing to adapt.
His mention of switching to No. 40 is an interesting choice, especially given its rarity for a player in his position. Typically, wide receivers or cornerbacks tend to opt for numbers in the single digits or the teens, but Hunter appears excited about the prospect of making No. 40 his own.
The move could be a way for him to stand out in the NFL, adding a unique twist to his already dynamic style of play.
Hunter also expressed his disinterest in paying to acquire a specific jersey number. In the NFL, it’s common for players to negotiate and even buy a desired number from a teammate if it’s already taken.
However, Hunter has made it clear that he has no intention of going down that route. “They want me to pay for it, bro. Say goodbye,” Hunter said, emphasizing his desire to keep things simple and focus on playing the game rather than getting caught up in negotiations over a number.
With the draft still a year away, there’s plenty of time for Hunter to decide on what number he’ll wear in the NFL. Regardless of the number on his back, it’s clear that Travis Hunter is ready to make an impact at the next level.
His versatility, talent, and respect for the history of the game make him an exciting prospect, and fans are eager to see where he lands and how he continues to make his mark.
As Hunter continues to prepare for the NFL, his decision on a jersey number is just one small piece of the puzzle.
What’s most important is his ability to bring his electric playmaking skills to whichever team drafts him, and his willingness to adapt and respect the game’s traditions is a promising sign for his future as a professional athlete.
