Sandy Hawkins Combs said she didn’t know who Travis Hunter was when she boarded a flight in Denver last week. The unsuspecting mother stepped off the plane ready to buy the Jacksonville Jaguars rookie’s jersey.
Hunter, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner and second pick in last month’s NFL draft, was likely headed to Florida for the start of the Jaguars’ rookie minicamp. The two-way player took his first snaps at wide receiver, though coach Liam Coen said he’ll work as a cornerback next week.
But Ms. Combs wasn’t familiar with her new friend’s on-field abilities. He impressed her anyway.
“He offered to put my bag in the overhead compartment and helped me with my tray. He was always polite, saying ’yes ma’am’ or ’no ma’am,’” she wrote in a now-viral Facebook post. “Anyone would be proud to have him as a son or grandson — so polite.”
It wasn’t until other passengers started congratulating Hunter that she noticed his Jaguars gear.
“I already told my sons I want his jersey,” Ms. Combs wrote.
The Jaguars traded up to select Hunter, sending a bevy of picks to the Cleveland Browns to jump ahead in the first round. While the trade was questioned by some analysts, Hunter was a near-consensus pick at the top of the draft.
The 21-year-old recorded 96 catches for 1,258 yards and 15 touchdowns on offense. As a defensive back, he added four interceptions and a defensive back.
“JACKSONVILLE JAGS, you did good,” Ms. Combs wrote. “I will be buying tickets.”