Former NFL Star Thinks Travis Hunter Is Better than Charles Woodson

Pro Football Hall of Fame wide receiver Terrell Owens knows a thing or two about being an elite player. In 15 NFL seasons Owens accumulated over 1,000 catches for nearly 16,000 yards and 153 touchdowns. 

Owens didn’t play both ways, but he compared two players who did on the Bubba Dub Show on Tuesday. See the edited clip below.

I absolutely LOVE how TO always stand on business about the guys.

Richard S is definitely hating. Glad TO called it out for what it is. pic.twitter.com/DXI0Oki396

— IGOTTIMETODAY (@Reallytheitgirl) September 25, 2024

Owens began by dismissing Richard Sherman’s recent comments about Travis Hunter. When asked if Hunter could play both ways in the NFL on the St. Brown Podcast, Sherman said, “No, hell no.” 

“For me, that oozes and just smells like hate,” Owens said. To be fair, Sherman went on to say Hunter would be great in the NFL as a corner, referencing how natural he looks at the position. 

While Owens was making the case for Hunter playing both ways professionally, he made a statement that might not sit right with Michigan fans. 

“For me, Travis Hunter is better than Charles Woodson (was) at Michigan.” 

It seems like a far-fetched comparison at first, but a close look at the stats might raise some eyebrows.

Comparing the numbers 

Hunter seems to have the edge on Woodson when it comes to the offensive side of the ball. Woodson had 30 touches for 537 yards and five touchdowns on offense in his college career. Including his time at Jackson State University, Hunter has 114 touches for almost 1,400 yards and 14 touchdowns in about two and a half seasons so far. 

Sep 14, 2024; Fort Collins, Colorado, USA; Wide Receiver Travis Hunter makes a catch at Sonny Lubick Field at Canvas Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

Woodson only played offense in his final two seasons at Michigan, and the game was played much differently in the 90s, but Hunter’s effectiveness on offense is undeniable. With that being said, Woodson seems to have the edge at cornerback. 

Hunter has six interceptions in his college career so far. Woodson had seven in his junior season alone, and 16 in his career, which is tied for seventh all-time in the Big Ten. Some might say Hunter doesn’t get thrown at enough to make the same amount of plays, but Woodson was known for his stout run defense too. He was the complete defender. 

Each player has one return touchdown in their college career, but Hunter can still add to his total. 

Comparing accolades 

The trophy case is the biggest difference between Woodson and Hunter, and it’s not even close. Hunter was a 2023 consensus All-American, and it’s nothing to slouch at, but it basically stops there. 

Woodson on the other hand, in 1997 alone, won the Heisman, Bronco Nagurski (most outstanding defensive player) and Chuck Bednarik (best defensive player) awards. As the cherry on top, Michigan won the Rose Bowl and a share of the National Championship in the same year. 

Aug 8, 2021; Canton, Ohio, USA; Inductee Charles Woodson delivers his speech during the Class of 2021 NFL Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Not to mention, Woodson went on to become a Super Bowl champion and Pro Football Hall of Famer. 

Hunter is without a doubt one of the best college players in the country, but only time will tell if he can become a legend like Woodson.