“Travis Hunter: The Dual-Threat Dynamo Redefining the NFL’s 2-Way Player Landscape?”

In the landscape of professional football, few names resonate with the dual brilliance of Chuck Bednarik. Known affectionately as “Concrete Charlie,” he carved out a legacy as the NFL’s last true 60-minute man, showcasing the rare ability to dominate on both sides of the ball as a center and linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles. His time, which came to a close after the 1962 season, set a high bar that modern players seldom reach. Fast forward to today, and we find ourselves captivated by rising stars like Travis Hunter, a remarkable talent eyeing the NFL Draft, drawn with the potential to impact both cornerback and receiver positions. While the ability for players to truly excel in dual roles has become an anomaly in today’s highly specialized game, the history of two-way players is rich and adorned with standout personalities. So, let’s take a stroll down memory lane—exploring how the spirit of “Concrete Charlie” has inspired a handful of athletes to stride between offensive and defensive domains, all while shedding light on Hunter’s quest to leave his own mark. LEARN MORE.Advertisement“Just common sense tells you when everyone else is playing 45, 50 plays and you’re playing 104, 105, I mean, duh? It’s very taxing,” Green told the Arizona Republic. “But because of your love for the game, how exciting it is, the adrenaline, the love to compete, you don’t really consider all that until Monday and Tuesday.”Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Troy Brown

Perry became a phenomenon, not because of his work at defensive tackle for the 1985 Chicago Bears, but for a few snaps on offense. Perry is remembered for that but it’s not like he was a two-way player. “The Refrigerator” had five carries in 1985 (just three after that) and one reception. He had three touchdowns in the regular season and a famous one in Super Bowl XX. It was fun but nothing comparable to what Hunter wants to do.

Julian Edelman

Sapp, one of the great defensive tackles ever, wanted some work at tight end too. And he got the chance in 2003, hauling in all four of his targets as a tight end, mostly at the goal line, for 39 yards. All four catches went for first downs, and two were touchdowns. It’s still not what Hunter wants to do but it is intriguing to wonder what Sapp could have done getting regular snaps as a tight end.

J.J. Watt

The story of Taylor crossing the picket line during the 1987 strike and playing both ways has been oversold. Taylor did play some tight end in his one game surrounded by replacement players, but it was limited and he didn’t catch a pass. Taylor never caught a pass in his career. Taylor is listed because of the memory of him playing tight end in replacement games, but it’s more legend than reality.Vrabel, currently the New England Patriots’ coach, was mostly a linebacker during his career. But he has a really cool stat line as a part-time offensive player. Vrabel caught 10 passes during his career and all 10 went for touchdowns (he also has two touchdowns on two playoff catches). The 10 regular-season catches went for just 14 yards because he was used strictly near the goal line, but his dalliance on offense is memorable.