Hunter Wohler jumped high into the air and stretched out his arms to grab the football that was flying just above him. After catching it cleanly, he quickly brought it close to his chest and fell to the ground. He remained on the turf briefly, making sure the catch was real and the ball was secure in his grip.
Once he stood up with the ball still in hand, a wide smile could be seen through his helmet. His teammates ran over in excitement, gathering around him to celebrate what the rookie had just done.
Among them, Segun Olubi stood out the most with his loud cheering and nonstop movement from the field to the sideline. It wasn’t easy to hear what everyone was shouting in the celebration, but Olubi’s voice rose above the rest as he yelled out a single word:
“Manifest!”
The Rookie Delivered Against an MVP Quarterback
That shout had a deeper meaning behind it. Wohler, who was picked in the seventh round, had just made an interception against none other than Lamar Jackson, a quarterback with MVP honors. And the special part was that Olubi had encouraged him earlier to believe in making such a play.
The Colts’ defensive front did their part by putting Jackson under pressure, forcing him to run and make a throw on the move. This gave Wohler the opening he needed to react quickly and make one of the most talked-about plays of the session. And just when things were settling down, he stepped up again shortly after.
Another Interception Moments Later
This time, Cooper Rush was at quarterback for the Ravens. Wohler returned to his regular position at safety, different from where he lined up on the earlier play. Rush released the pass, aiming for his target, but before the ball could get there, Austin Ajiake leapt and managed to tip it into the air.
Wohler was a few yards behind the action and wasn’t even in the intended target area, but he adjusted instantly. He spun his body, pushed forward, and launched himself into a flying dive that allowed him to snatch the ball just before it could hit the grass.
The team didn’t hold back in celebrating the second time either. This time, familiar faces like Cam Bynum and Jonathan Taylor joined in to show their support. Taylor, being a former Wisconsin Badger like Wohler, seemed especially proud of his fellow alum.
Wohler Keeps Focus on Consistency
Since arriving at the Colts, Wohler has been committed to proving himself on both mental and physical levels. His skill set allows him to operate as both a linebacker and a safety, and he takes pride in his ability to change roles depending on the need.
He has made it clear through his approach to training that he is ready to do whatever it takes to stand out. Even with two interceptions under his belt, including one against Lamar Jackson, Wohler is not letting any of it get to his head.
With Thursday’s preseason game approaching fast, he understands that every new day brings another test. His focus stays on growth, improvement, and consistency.
“Each day gives me a fresh opportunity,” Wohler said. “Yes, today went well, but tomorrow brings another challenge. Then by Thursday, I have to do it all again when it counts. Every single day gives me another chance to prove what I can do and continue working on getting better. So even though this moment is good, tomorrow is waiting.”
