Travis Hunter says his two-way stardom is more impressive than Shohei Ohtani’s

Playing Two Ways: The Unique Challenges of Travis Hunter and Shohei Ohtani

Introduction: The Rarity of Two-Way Athletes

In the world of professional sports, excelling at one position is a remarkable achievement. However, playing two ways—performing at an elite level in multiple roles within the same sport—is an entirely different level of challenge. This rare talent is on full display in two of America’s most popular sports: football and baseball. In baseball, Shohei Ohtani has redefined what it means to be a two-way player, dominating both as a pitcher and a designated hitter for the Los Angeles Angels and Dodgers. Meanwhile, in football, Travis Hunter is attempting to make history in the NFL by becoming the first full-time two-way player since Hall of Famer Chuck Bednarik in the 1950s and 60s. The question on everyone’s mind is: which is more difficult—Ohtani’s two-way prowess in baseball or Hunter’s ambitious bid to do the same in football? Both athletes have made their cases, but the answer may lie in the unique demands of their respective sports.

The Case for Football: Travis Hunter’s Historic Bid

Travis Hunter, one of college football’s most electrifying players, believes that playing two ways in football is the harder endeavor. During the 2024 NFL Combine, Hunter boldly stated, “Probably me, what I do in football, because it’s a lot on your body.” Hunter, who excelled as both a cornerback and a wide receiver at the University of Colorado, understands firsthand the physical and mental toll of excelling in two demanding roles. In addition to the grueling practice schedule, Hunter’s game-week routine included early morning wake-up calls, rigorous treatment sessions, and solo study sessions to master both offensive and defensive game plans. Over the past two seasons, he logged an impressive 2,500 snaps, a workload that would be overwhelming for most athletes. Hunter’s coach, the legendary Deion Sanders, has been a vocal supporter of his ability to play both ways in the NFL, but it’s clear that the degree of difficulty is immense.

Hunter’s determination to play both ways in the NFL is unprecedented in the modern era. While some players, like Sanders, have dabbled in multiple roles, no one has successfully pulled off being a full-time two-way player since Bednarik. The NFL’s 17-game season, combined with the physicality of the sport, makes Hunter’s goal a monumental challenge. Teams are already taking notice of his potential, but the decision on how to deploy him will ultimately rest with the franchise that drafts him. Hunter is not participating in drills at the combine, but he has been fielding questions from teams about both his cornerback and wide receiver skills. Whether he succeeds in his bid to become a two-way NFL player will be one of the most compelling stories of the 2025 season.

The Case for Baseball: Shohei Ohtani’s Dominance

While Travis Hunter is breaking barriers in football, Shohei Ohtani continues to redefine what’s possible in baseball. The Los Angeles Angels superstar has been one of the most dominant players in the game, earning three MVP awards in his seven-year career. Ohtani’s ability to excel as both a pitcher and a designated hitter is a rare feat in modern baseball, where specialization has become the norm. Even when he wasn’t pitching last season due to elbow surgery, Ohtani still managed to win the National League MVP as a designated hitter—a testament to his incredible skill and versatility. His success has revitalized interest in two-way players and inspired a new generation of athletes to pursue multiple roles in the sport.

Playing both ways in baseball comes with its own set of challenges, particularly the physical strain of pitching and hitting at an elite level. Ohtani’s workload is significant, as he must maintain the strength and precision required to dominate on the mound while also being a consistent threat at the plate. However, compared to football, the demands of baseball are less physically punishing in terms of collisions and repetitive contact. This difference is what leads many, including Ohtani, to argue that baseball’s two-way challenge, while difficult, is less grueling than football’s.

Comparing the Two: Physicality and Preparation

The debate over which is harder—playing two ways in football or baseball—ultimately comes down to the unique demands of each sport. Football is a high-contact, stop-and-start sport that places immense strain on the body. The combination of speed, strength, and repetition in football makes it one of the most physically demanding sports in the world. For a player like Travis Hunter, who is attempting to excel on both sides of the ball, the challenges are compounded. Not only must he maintain peak physical condition, but he also must master two distinct skill sets and mental approaches—offensive and defensive. This dual role requires a level of preparation and endurance that few can handle.

In contrast, baseball’s two-way players like Ohtani face a different kind of challenge. While the physical demands of pitching and hitting are significant, the sport’s pace and structure allow for more recovery time between plays. Ohtani’s ability to thrive in both roles is a testament to his skill and work ethic, but it’s hard to compare directly to the grind of football. Both athletes are breaking molds in their respective sports, but the nature of their challenges is fundamentally different.

The Future of Two-Way Athletes

As the sports world watches Travis Hunter and Shohei Ohtani, it’s clear that both are rewriting the rules of what’s possible in their respective sports. While Ohtani’s success in baseball has already cemented his legacy, Hunter’s attempt to become a full-time two-way player in the NFL is still in its infancy. Whether he succeeds or not, his effort will inspire a new generation of athletes to push the boundaries of their potential. As for Ohtani, his continued dominance will likely pave the way for more two-way players in baseball, proving that specialization is not the only path to greatness.

Ultimately, determining which is harder—playing two ways in football or baseball—is subjective. Both Travis Hunter and Shohei Ohtani are proving that with determination, talent, and an unparalleled work ethic, anything is possible. Their journeys serve as a reminder that greatness is not confined to a single role or sport—it’s about pushing limits and redefining what’s achievable.