A routine flight from Denver turned into an unforgettable experience for Sandy Hawkins Combs—though not for the reason you might expect.
It wasn’t until mid-flight that she realized the kind young man seated beside her was none other than Travis Hunter, the sensational two-way football star who recently captured the Heisman Trophy and was selected second overall in the NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
In a heartwarming Facebook post, Combs recalled her flight with Hunter on United Airlines, initially unaware of her neighbor’s fame. “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.’ Anyone would be proud to have him as a son or grandson – so polite,” she wrote.
Hunter, known for his humility as much as his highlight-reel plays, didn’t reveal his identity right away. But the whispers began as fellow passengers recognized the new Jaguars wide receiver, offering congratulations and snapping photos.
“I turned and asked him, ‘Who am I sitting next to?’ I looked at his Jaguar pants, smiled, and asked, ‘Are you an athlete?’ He smiled and said, ‘I’m Travis. Yes, I was drafted by the Jags,’” Combs shared.
The charming encounter left such a lasting impression that Combs told her sons she now wants a Travis Hunter jersey. “He’s so humble and down-to-earth – I would have never guessed he was a professional athlete,” she added. “JACKSONVILLE JAGS, you did good! I will be buying tickets. United Airlines, thank you for my seat assignment!”
Hunter, now settling into life as a professional athlete in Jacksonville, continues to win fans not just on the field but at 35,000 feet as well.
