Travis Hunter’s entrance into the NFL on April 24, 2025, was nothing short of a cultural phenomenon. As one of the most electrifying prospects in recent memory, renowned for his two-way dominance at Colorado and his unapologetic individuality, Hunter turned draft night at Lambeau Field into a stage for both his athletic prowess and personal narrative.
Selected as the No. 2 overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars, he made history—but it was his audacious fashion, a lavish gift from his fiancée Leanna Lenee, and the couple’s dynamic that truly defined the evening.
Hunter arrived at the draft eschewing the traditional suit-and-tie look, opting instead for a neon pink jacket paired with black pants, designed by Dedrick Hideoki Hagiwara Thomas of Maison Hideoki.
Yet, the real showstopper came moments before the event when Lenee presented him with a solid gold Rolex watch and matching bracelet, valued at over $30,000. Captured in a video shared by his agent Boogie of Young Money APAA Sports, Hunter’s genuine delight at the gift underscored its personal significance, while its extravagance ignited immediate buzz.
The Rolex $30,000-plus price tag sparked speculation: Was it funded by Hunter’s own earnings, or was it a coordinated move by his management to amplify his brand? While some saw it as a heartfelt gesture from Lenee, others questioned its authenticity, highlighting the blurred lines between personal relationships and professional image in today’s sports landscape.
Lenee has been a pivotal figure in Hunter’s journey since they connected on Instagram in 2022. Their relationship deepened into an engagement in February 2024, marked by a $100,000 ring from Hunter. However, she faced public scrutiny in December 2024 after her reaction to Hunter’s Heisman Trophy win was misinterpreted as disinterest, prompting her to temporarily delete her social media accounts.
The Rolex gift was her re-emergence—a bold show of support and a testament to their bond’s resilience. Hunter has consistently defended her, calling their relationship “strong” despite the external noise.
On the field, Hunter’s night was equally monumental. The Jacksonville Jaguars traded up to select him at No. 2 overall, parting with multiple draft picks, including a 2026 first-rounder, to secure the Heisman winner. He became the highest-drafted player from Colorado in 50 years and the first in NFL history to be announced at two positions: receiver and defensive back.
The Jaguars see him as a “unicorn” talent, planning to deploy him primarily as a receiver alongside Trevor Lawrence and Brian Thomas Jr., while also tapping his defensive skills in specialized packages.
Off the field, Hunter’s draft-night choices signal his ambition to transcend the traditional athlete mold. His neon pink jacket and Rolex draw parallels to figures like Odell Beckham Jr., who blended sports and fashion into a lucrative personal brand. Partnerships with luxury designers like Maison Hideoki position Hunter as a potential style influencer, with the Rolex gift underscoring how personal relationships can amplify an athlete’s public image.
The Rolex sparked a mixed response. Social media lit up with takes ranging from praise “Using Travis’ own money to buy him a Rolex is genius” to skepticism “She bought that with HIS money”.
With his name now etched into NFL history, Travis Hunter is stepping into the spotlight—watch and all. And if that Rolex could talk, it might just say, “Time to shine.”
