The Miz, the well-known WWE star and diehard Cleveland Browns fan, found himself the subject of intense teasing after confidently predicting the Browns would choose Travis Hunter in the NFL Draft, only to learn mid-flight that Hunter had been traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Miz roasted on flight after Browns trade became the talk among passengers, especially after events unfolded quickly in the air.
During a first-class flight on draft day in April, The Miz believed his team would secure Travis Hunter with the coveted No. 2 pick. This moment of pride was shared with fellow WWE star Angelo Dawkins, an enthusiastic Bengals fan, and other travelers nearby. The Miz eagerly expressed his certainty about the Browns’ draft intentions.
“You don’t get it. We’re getting the best football player in the draft,”
The Miz recalls bragging to fellow passengers, including Dawkins, a Bengals fan.
“He plays offense, he plays defense, he is a generational talent.”
—The Miz, WWE Superstar
However, a few hours into the flight, the mood changed dramatically. After noticing that The Miz had been napping, Dawkins delivered unexpected news: the Browns had traded away their pick. The cabin responded with laughter, leaving The Miz in disbelief and embarrassment.
The once-proud predictions unraveled quickly as Miz checked his phone to confirm the trade. Not only was Angelo Dawkins quick to remind him of his earlier bravado, but other passengers joined in, sparking a round of amusement throughout the cabin.
“I go ‘No they didn’t, no they didn’t.’ I look on my phone, and I see the Browns traded out… Now everyone’s making fun of me,”
Miz admitted.
“The lady next to me, the person in front of me… all heard me go off about Hunter.”
—The Miz, WWE Superstar
The Cleveland Browns, in exchange for the No. 2 pick, acquired multiple new selections from the Jacksonville Jaguars: the No. 5 pick in the first round, the 35th overall pick in the second round, the 126th in the fourth round, and a 2026 first-round selection. This strategic move shifted the expectations of both fans and commentators, with The Miz’s public disappointment highlighting the emotional rollercoaster of high-stakes draft day decisions.
Travis Hunter Looks to Prove His Value in the NFL
Meanwhile, Travis Hunter’s reputation as a two-way football star has only grown since the draft. Hunter, who plays both wide receiver and cornerback, earned the Heisman trophy in December 2024. Following his Heisman win, he appeared on NFL on NBC, engaging with former NFL receiver Chad Johnson, also known as Ochocinco, to discuss his anticipated Madden 26 rating.
“If it ain’t an 85 and above, see that trophy back there? We could 1-v-1 for it,”
Hunter told Chad Johnson. —Travis Hunter, Football Player
However, Johnson kept his expectations in check for the rookie, signaling that earning a high digital rating would require more than college credentials.
“The best I could do for you, as a rookie, I give you a 76,”
Johnson replied. —Chad Johnson, Former NFL Wide Receiver
Ogbonna “Ochocinco” Johnson’s skepticism about immediate superstar status was clear. Months after their exchange, he posted that he was still awaiting Hunter’s performance to justify a higher Madden rating. Sportsbook Review predicts Hunter will enter Madden 26 with a 79 rating, potentially tying him for the highest among incoming rookies. History shows few rookies start in the 80s range, but Hunter’s unique abilities and game-breaking potential may change that narrative if he excels in the coming NFL season.
With attention from high-profile names like Chad Johnson and the passionate reactions from fans like The Miz, the aftermath of the Browns’ trade is likely to impact both team strategy and Travis Hunter’s rise as a rookie sensation. As fans monitor the Browns’ choices with their expanded draft picks and watch Hunter’s rookie journey, both stories promise to fuel heated debates and heightened excitement throughout the coming season.
