Travis Hunter has been in the news for many reasons over the last few years, but the last couple of weeks could prove to be pivotal for his development, both as a player and a man.
Fresh off winning the Heisman Trophy Award on December 14th, 2024, the highest honor in college football. Hunter has made a massive statement, as throughout the 2024-2025 CFB season, Hunter dominated on both sides of the ball.
Offensively, he finished with nearly 100 receptions (96), 1,258 yards, 15 receiving touchdowns, and one rushing TD.
On defense, Hunter posted 35 tackles, 11 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble (his potential “Heisman Moment”), and 4 interceptions.
He won the award over runner-up Ashton Jeanty. The Boise State Running back who also took the nation by storm in the 2024 CFP season, rushing for 2,601 yards and 29 Touchdowns and leading the Broncos to the CFP.
Despite Colorado’s failure to make it to the College Football Playoff, Hunter is widely expected to be a top 3 pick, potentially even the number 1 overall selection.
As of now, the first four picks are:
- Tennessee Titans
- Cleveland Browns
- New York Giants
- New England Patriots
While all four teams need a quarterback (Not TN), Hunter’s versatility and dominance could make him the number 1 pick regardless.
(He landed at #2 and Cam Ward went #1 to the Titans).
Let’s break down what Travis Hunter’s rookie contract would have looked like, as this article dropped pre-draft and he was selected second overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Potential Landing Spots
Pick 1: Tennessee Titans
If Hunter is selected first overall, his 4-year rookie contract will be valued at $42,198,750, with a breakdown as follows:
- Year 1: $7,672,500
- Year 2: $9,590,625
- Year 3: $11,508,750 (Extension Year)
- Year 4: $13,426,875
- Year 5: Team Option Year
The Titans drafted QB Will Levis in 2023, so, Tennessee could opt to add Hunter to their roster, instead of pursuing another QB.
If the Titans had selected Hunter with the first pick, his rookie contract would break down as follows:
- Year 1: $4,833,675
- Year 2: $6,042,093
- Year 3: $7,250,512.50
- Year 4: $8,458,931.25
The state of Tennessee remains to be one of just seven states in the USA that does not levy an income tax on their residents.
If the two-way star were drafted in spots #2-#4 (which he was), then at minimum he will pay 3.5% state income tax (Ohio), 5% in Massachusetts and likely the maximum, 10.9% in New York.
Hunter’s total post-tax earnings (37% Federal) if selected by the Titans would be ~$26.6 million.
Pick 2: Cleveland Browns
If Hunter is selected second overall, his contract will be valued at $40,337,224 over 4 years.
After taxes, his total earnings would be ~$21.8 million. The state of Ohio levies a 3.5% state income tax for their top earners.
Pick 3: New York Giants
If Hunter is selected third overall, his rookie deal will be worth $39,152,644, however he would be living in either New Jersey, or in New York.
New Jersey levies a 10.75% state income tax on top earning residents
(what Hunter would be the moment he signs his contract). While the state of New York levies a 10.9% state income tax on their top earning residents.
So, id drafted to the Giants, he may choose to settle in New Jersey if he wants to save an extra 0.15% of his income. We now know he will be living in his home state of Florida.
If he chose to live in New Jersey his post-tax earnings are: $20,457,256.50
If he chose to reside in New York, his post tax earnings are: $20,398,527.50
By choosing New Jersey over the state of New York, he will would save roughly $60,000.
Financial Summary
Regardless of whether Hunter was drafted first, second, or third, his post-tax earnings over the course of his rookie contract will be approximately $20-23 million..
This financial security will set Hunter up for life, provided he makes sound decisions both on and off the field. For instance, if Hunter were to invest 20% of his rookie contract (~$5M), into the S&P500 or a similar index that tracks 8% average annual growth; then by age 50 (27 years), he would have an estimated stock portfolio value of ~$41.13 million.
Hunter would still have $15+ million to live a luxury life and if he remains healthy, he is likely to sign a massive extension the moment he becomes eligible.
However, if he were to not make it to that extension year, as the average career length of an NFL player is just 3.3 years, then he can still turn his rookie deal millions, into generation wealth. Mix in the right property investments, Hunter is set for life.
The Road Ahead for Travis Hunter
No matter where Travis Hunter ends up, he will be in a strong financial position. Whether drafted to the Patriots or the Titans or where he actually landed in Jacksonville, Hunter’s future is bright both on the field, and financially.
As Hunter prepares for the 2025 NFL season, all eyes will be on him, not just for his Heisman-winning performances, but for his potential to change the trajectory of whichever franchise selects him.
It will also be interesting to find out if the team that selects Hunter will allow him to play both sides of the ball, where he claims to be the most comfortable and has shown dominant ability throughout his collegiate years.
Want the Full Travis Hunter Breakdown?
The APSM Travis Hunter Net Worth Valuation Report Includes:
- Lifetime net worth projections
- Future contract scenario modeling
- Tax impact estimates
- Endorsement growth analysis
- Real-estate & investment frameworks
Everything you need to understand Hunter’s long-term wealth trajectory and unlock financial literacy for yourself through APSM Insights.
🔗Next Reads
- Travis Hunter’s $3.275 Million Jacksonville Mansion
- Travis Hunter’s Rookie Contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars
- Sauce Gardner’s $31.1 Million/Year Contract Extension
- Cam Ward’s Rookie Contract with the Tennessee Titans
- Luther Burden III’s Fully Guaranteed NFL Rookie Contract
Credits
Written by: Aidan Anderson
Research and Analysis: Apostle Sports Media LLC
Sources: NFL Mock Draft Databases, APSM Proprietary Analysis.
YouTube Embed Highlights: Bleacher Report
Featured Image: Public Domain / Wiki Commons
Disclaimer: This article contains general financial information for educational purposes and does not constitute as professional advice.
“Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth
“will mourn because of him.” So shall it be! Amen.”
– Revelation 1:7
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