The Travis Hunter effect may be spreading beyond college football. As the Colorado two-way phenom gears up for his NFL debut next season, one of the league’s brightest young defensive stars wants in on the two-way action.
Los Angeles Rams pass rusher Jared Verse, the reigning 2024 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, recently revealed he’s been lobbying head coach Sean McVay for a chance to contribute on offense.
Los Angeles Rams Pass Rusher Wants The Ball
“I’m going to tell him again: ‘Put me on offense. Throw me the ball, dude,’” Verse said on The Rich Eisen Show, adding that he’s made the request “thousands of times” since entering the league.
So far, McVay hasn’t budged — reportedly brushing off each ask. But the idea of a 6-foot-4, 250-pound athletic marvel lining up in the red zone has sparked intrigue among fans. While Travis Hunter’s wide receiver/cornerback combination may make more practical sense from a wear-and-tear standpoint, there’s historic precedent for big defensive players contributing on offense.
In the 1980s, the Chicago Bears famously deployed 335-pound William “The Refrigerator” Perry as a goal-line fullback, and former linebacker Mike Vrabel caught 10 touchdowns in his NFL career as a red-zone tight end. The concept may be gimmicky, but it’s far from unheard of.
Verse certainly has the physical tools to make it interesting. Drafted No. 19 overall in 2024 out of Florida State — where he transferred after beginning his career at SUNY Albany — Verse quickly made good on his draft billing. In 17 games as a rookie, he posted 4.5 sacks, 18 quarterback hits, 11 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles, earning a Pro Bowl nod and beating out Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell and teammate Braden Fiske for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.
Whether Sean McVay ever gives in to Verse’s two-way aspirations remains to be seen. But as the NFL continues to embrace versatility and creativity — especially in short-yardage and red-zone situations — don’t be surprised if Verse eventually trots onto the field alongside Matthew Stafford, not just to defend, but to score.
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