Travis Hunter, a college football sensation, claimed the 2024 Heisman trophy following an impressive season serving as a top-notch lockdown cornerback and exceptional wide receiver for Colorado.
During his Heisman acceptance address, the 21-year-old rising star addressed his father directly, who was watching from his grandmother’s home in Georgia after being recently released from prison due to a 2023 arrest.
Travis Hunter speaks right into the camera to his father who was unable to attend the Heisman Ceremony.
Powerful message ❤️ pic.twitter.com/3fXdVQUWw1
— ESPN (@espn) December 15, 2024
“And I want to say something to my father,” Hunter stated. “He’s not here to be able to make it, but I know you’re watching on TV. Dad, I love you. All the stuff you went through, man look at your older son. I did it for you, man. All the times that you didn’t get to see me. When the times you came to see my games, from not seeing probably two games in high school to seeing me on TV every weekend and come to see me, man. That means so much to me. I know you wanted to be here and you can’t, but trust me, I got you. I’m bringing the trophy home. I love you.”
Footage captured his father’s emotional response to the acceptance speech.
Travis Hunter’s dad reacting to his son shoutout is absolutely amazing to watch ❤️ pic.twitter.com/BFQHycf2hJ
— Shannonnn sharpes Burner (PARODY Account) (@shannonsharpeee) December 16, 2024
Regarding his father’s absence from the ceremony, the Boynton Beach high school football legend shared his thoughts with reporters.
“I don’t want to go,” Hunter Sr. conveyed in a December 5 interview. “I want to be there when he gets married and when he gets drafted. I’m going to watch this from home.”
He expressed confidence in his son’s talent, stating, “I really don’t feel no different because I always know he could win if he put his mind to it. He’s always had that… since he started playing football when he was four years old” (as noted by Palm Beach Post).
Hunter also highlighted the role of his head coach, NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, as a significant father figure in his life.
“[Deion Sanders] is more than a coach to me, he’s another father for me. … He don’t know what he did for me, but it changed my life forever.”
Travis Hunter reflected after winning the Heisman with @garystriewski and @RandyScottESPN on SportsCenter👏 pic.twitter.com/OYQ91krjE0
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 15, 2024
In summary, both his parents and his coach beamed with pride for Travis, who became the 78th recipient of the Heisman trophy.
Travis Hunter’s mother is a Heisman worthy mom!
She stated, “what was called her biggest mistake (a young pregnancy) ended up being her biggest blessing. That what seems like a mistake can become a triumph!”
What a strong role model and an example of someone that decided to be a… pic.twitter.com/vZeGhIVPVJ
— 🔥 CEO Branding Expert (@Ceo_Branding) December 15, 2024
Clearly, the future looks promising for the cornerback who was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, in addition to being selected for the 1st Team All-Big 12 as a wide receiver.
With that said, numerous questions linger regarding Hunter’s role at the next level.
Draft predictions suggest he might go as high as the No. 1 overall pick, depending on which team finishes the NFL season with the worst record.
