Travis Hunter has shown loyalty to Deion Sanders throughout the course of his college football career. Coach Prime’s son, Shedeur Sanders, has also been a source of inspiration to the two-way phenom; after all, it was Shedeur who inspired him to join him and his father at Jackson State.
Hunter has grown to be one of the most important athletes in college football today, with the makings of a bright future in the NFL. In the recent Heisman ceremony, Hunter acknowledged the role the Sanders family played in his life and career. He highlighted the impact of their presence in life and expressed deep gratitude.
Travis Hunter Gives Emotional Tribute During Heisman Acceptance Speech
Hunter was awarded the esteemed Heisman Trophy on Saturday, Dec. 14, for his incredible performance in the 2024 season and his rare display of dominance as a two-way player. His Heisman win made it the second time a Colorado Buffaloes player had won the award.
Though he worked hard to earn the win, Hunter would attribute his success to Deion and Shedeur Sanders, the iconic father-son duo that made waves at Jackson State and Colorado. He thanked them, declaring that their influence changed his life forever.
“I want to thank Coach Prime, Shedeur,” Hunter began. “Man, y’all changed my life forever. That one simple phone call, Shedeur, and look where I’m at. Man, that’s crazy bro. It’s crazy. I’m trying not to get emotional because I know our last game coming up soon. But I’m thankful for both of y’all.
“Coach Prime, I’m going to whoop you on that lake tomorrow or whenever we get the chance. But thank you, man. You changed my life forever. I told you that multiple times. I really appreciate all of it.”
“I want to thank Coach Prime, Shedeur. Man, y’all changed my life forever.”
— Travis Hunter 🥹 pic.twitter.com/Qf6DMlNnMk
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 15, 2024
Hunter Draws Curtains on College Football Career in Iconic Fashion
Though the Heisman is Hunter’s crown jewel, he also won several prestigious awards for his performance in this year’s regular season. He won the Associated Press College Football Player of the Year award, the Fred Biletnikoff Award, the Chuck Bednarik Award, and the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award.
Hunter is now approaching the end of his career as a college football player. He has declared that he will be in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft and is expected to be one of the top picks.
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With numerous prestigious awards on the shelf and the respect and acknowledgment of athletes, analysts, and fans, Hunter has cemented his status as an iconic figure in college football. The 21-year-old will play his last game with the Buffaloes in the upcoming Alamo Bowl game against the BYU Cougars.
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