Playing offense and defense used to be the norm back in the first 40 years of the NFL, in the days before the Super Bowl, before the advent of instant replay, and when receivers were still called "ends." Given the limits to both roster size and substitutions in the early days of the sport, two-way stars were a necessity.

Colorado wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter, the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, is the 2025 NFL Draft's top overall prospect, according to CBS Sports. However, the highest he'll likely go is second overall to the Cleveland Browns with the Tennessee Titans projected to select Miami quarterback Cam Ward first overall.