You’ve probably seen the highlight reels by now. Travis Hunter—the man who basically rewrote the rules of college football by playing nearly every snap on both sides of the ball—is now a Jacksonville Jaguar. He was the number two overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, a Heisman winner, and now, he’s officially a homeowner in the Sunshine State.
But here’s the thing. This wasn’t just some flashy, impulsive "I’m rich now" purchase. The travis hunter florida home purchase was actually a pretty calculated move that involved a lot of family, a bit of sports history, and, strangely enough, a literal owl.
Honestly, the way people talk about rookie contracts, you’d think these guys just throw darts at a map. Hunter didn't. He and his wife, Leanna De La Fuente, toured 16 different properties before landing on their spot. Sixteen. That’s a lot of walking through empty kitchens and looking at crown molding. They looked at waterfront spots and estates near Tim Tebow’s place in Glen Kernan. In the end, they chose a massive estate in the Deerwood Country Club for $3.275 million.
Inside the Deerwood Estate: More Than Just a Flex
The house is a beast. We’re talking 8,125 square feet. It sits on 7.5 acres in the "Estates" section of Deerwood, which is a double-gated area in Jacksonville. If you want privacy, this is how you get it.
It’s a five-bedroom, seven-bathroom setup. It has a four-car garage (perfect for that Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon he gifted Leanna), a home theater, and a wine cellar. Most people focused on the pool and the tennis court, but for a guy who plays two positions in the NFL, the private gym is probably the most used room in the house.
✨ Don't miss: Finding the Best Texas Longhorns iPhone Wallpaper Without the Low-Res Junk
What’s kind of cool is the history of the place. Before the Hunters bought it from Gregory and Angela Stringfellow, it was owned by LeRoy Butler. If you aren’t a total football nerd, Butler is a Pro Football Hall of Famer who played for the Packers but grew up right there in Jacksonville. It’s sort of a "passing of the torch" vibe.
The story the listing agent, Angela Stringfellow, tells is my favorite part. Apparently, during one of the tours, an owl that had lived on the property for 15 years just showed up. It just sat there watching them. For the sellers, it was a sign that the house was going to the right person. Hunter stayed for hours just soaking in the atmosphere. He even asked to keep some of the spiritual artwork the previous owners had in the house.
Why the Timing of This Purchase Mattered
The timing was tight. Like, really tight. Hunter married Leanna in May 2025 in Tennessee. Literally days later, they closed on this house. This all happened right as he was signing his four-year, $46.6 million rookie contract with the Jaguars.
People on the internet were doing what they do best: complaining. There was a lot of chatter about whether he was spending too much too fast. But if you look at the numbers, the guy was an NIL millionaire before he even left Colorado. He already bought his mom a five-bedroom house in Savannah, Georgia, back in 2024. He’s been managing big money for a while now.
🔗 Read more: Why Isn't Mbappe Playing Today: The Real Madrid Crisis Explained
Buying in Deerwood was actually a smart play for a few reasons:
- Proximity: It’s a quick drive to EverBank Stadium and the Jaguars' practice facilities.
- Privacy: It’s one of the most secluded lots in the neighborhood.
- Resale: The $3.275 million price tag actually set a record for the Deerwood community. High-acreage lots in that part of Jacksonville are getting harder to find.
Addressing the Critics and the "Internet Experts"
You can’t buy a three-million-dollar house at 22 without some people getting weird about it. Social media was flooded with "financial advisors" claiming he should have rented or waited. Some even took shots at his wife, Leanna, suggesting she was the one pushing the purchase.
Cam Newton actually jumped in to defend them on his podcast, which was a vibe. He basically told everyone to back off and let the young couple live. And honestly, he’s right. Hunter is a generational talent. He’s the first true two-way star we’ve seen in the modern era. If anyone has the job security to buy a "forever" starter home, it’s him.
The purchase was made through an LLC managed by both Travis and Leanna. It shows they’re looking at this as a joint business move as much as a personal one. They aren't just "playing house"; they're building an estate.
💡 You might also like: Tottenham vs FC Barcelona: Why This Matchup Still Matters in 2026
What This Means for Hunter’s Future in Duval
By picking a spot in Jacksonville instead of a condo in Miami or a beach house in Ponte Vedra, Hunter signaled that he’s here to stay. He’s putting down deep roots. He’s not just a guy passing through on a rookie deal; he’s trying to be the face of the franchise.
If you’re looking to follow in these footsteps—not necessarily the "buying a $3 million mansion" part, but the smart real estate part—there are a few takeaways here. First, don’t buy the first thing you see. Tying your purchase to your lifestyle (like Hunter’s gym and proximity to work) is key. Second, look for properties with unique land value. The 7.5 acres in a gated community is what makes that house a real asset.
Next Steps for Following the Market:
- Track the "Athlete Effect": Watch neighborhoods like Deerwood or Glen Kernan. When stars move in, infrastructure and property values usually follow.
- Research Local Records: If you're curious about specific sales, the Jacksonville Daily Record is the best spot for actual deed transfers and LLC filings.
- Focus on Privacy: If you're looking for high-end real estate in Florida, double-gated communities are currently seeing the highest demand among high-net-worth individuals.