Jason Whitlock Targets Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders in New Rant Over Travis Hunter’s Injury

Former Fox Sports commentator Jason Whitlock has built a reputation for provoking strong reactions, and he appears determined to keep the controversy flowing. Over the past several months, Whitlock has been engaged in a public feud with his former colleague Joy Taylor, sparring back and forth on social media and in commentary segments (Fox Sports). This comes on top of ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith taking repeated shots at him on both his podcast and radio platforms (ESPN).

Rather than backing down, Whitlock seems energized by the criticism. His latest target is Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, the charismatic third-year head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes and one of the most iconic defensive backs in NFL history (Pro Football Hall of Fame). Whitlock has zeroed in on Sanders’ handling of star athlete Travis Hunter, the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner and current Jacksonville Jaguars No. 2 overall draft pick.

Whitlock Blames Sanders for Hunter’s Injury

In a recent Instagram tirade posted after the Jacksonville Jaguars announced Hunter would miss the remainder of the NFL season due to knee surgery (Jacksonville Jaguars), Whitlock suggested that Sanders' college coaching directly contributed to the injury.

Whitlock claimed:

“Travis Hunter has had season-ending knee surgery. I contend this man had no business playing both ways at Jackson State and the University of Colorado. He was mismanaged by Deion. Now he gets to the NFL with the same belief that I can play both ways and I can block. I blame Deion Sanders.”

The criticism struck many as excessive, especially considering Hunter thrived as a two-way player in college. At both Jackson State and Colorado, Hunter won national acclaim for his ability to excel at wide receiver and cornerback — a rarity in modern football. Even during his early NFL reps, while the Jaguars didn’t use him heavily on defense, he flashed the talent that once made him the top high school recruit in the country (ESPN).

Whitlock argued that Sanders, who famously played both ways during his own Hall of Fame career, should have been the one telling Hunter not to take on the dual workload. But that ignores a major reality: playing both ways was exactly what convinced Hunter — a five-star Florida State commit — to flip to Jackson State in the first place, a historic recruiting moment that sent shockwaves across college football (ESPN).

Hunter Was Already Showing His Potential

Despite a slow start typical for NFL rookies, Hunter began demonstrating why scouts were enamored with him. In October, he made a spectacular SportsCenter Top 10 highlight catch against the Kansas City Chiefs, helping the Jaguars secure a key Monday night victory (ESPN).

His breakout performance came in London, where he recorded:

• 8 receptions

• 104 yards

• 1 touchdown

against the Los Angeles Rams.

For the season, Hunter finished with:

• 28 catches for 298 yards

• 1 touchdown

On defense, he showed impressive toughness, tallying:

• 15 tackles

• 3 passes defended

even in limited snaps — evidence that his versatility wasn’t merely hype.

Jaguars Coach Urges Patience

Addressing media questions following Hunter’s surgery, Jaguars head coach Liam Cohen clarified that the team has not decided whether Hunter will remain a two-way player moving forward (Jacksonville Jaguars). Cohen emphasized that all personnel evaluations will take place after the season concludes, including discussions about Hunter’s long-term role.

With Jacksonville currently clinging to the seventh and final AFC playoff seed, Cohen encouraged the public to “relax” and keep the focus on the team’s next opponent, the Los Angeles Chargers.

The coach — who jokingly referenced Hunter’s infamously awkward “DUUUVAL” chant during the NFL Draft — made it clear that no decisions about Hunter’s usage will be made prematurely.

Controversy Follows Whitlock, but Facts Tell a Different Story

Whitlock’s attempt to link Sanders to Hunter’s injury fits into his long-standing pattern of targeted provocations. But the facts show that:

• Hunter wanted to play both ways.

• Sanders used that desire to engineer one of the most historic recruiting flips ever.

• Hunter succeeded in college in both roles.

• His early NFL production suggests he is capable of the same at the professional level.

While Whitlock’s take may generate clicks and conversation, it appears disconnected from the context, history, and reality of Hunter’s football journey.

For now, Jaguars fans and coaches remain optimistic about Hunter’s recovery — and far less interested in Whitlock’s latest attempt to stir the pot.