Colorado Buffaloes two-way star Travis Hunter is drawing the curtains on his college career in spectacular fashion. Hunter has won a number of prestigious awards, and on Dec. 14, he added the highly envied Heisman Trophy to his list of accolades.
Despite numerous suggestions that other college football players were more deserving of the award, Hunter’s win was not the least bit shocking as he finished the season as the heavy betting favorite. Hunter’s father sits at the top of the list of people who expected the Colorado star to win the award.
Who Is Travis Hunter Sr.?
Travis Hunter Sr., a mysterious figure who the Heisman winner clearly holds in high regard, has stayed out of the public view, refusing to share in his son’s glory. What follows is all that we know about the man who shaped one of the best athletes college football has ever seen.
Travis Hunter’s father was an athlete … and no one is surprised. While Hunter has no doubt worked incredibly hard to reach the heights of achievement, it is obvious that he is also naturally gifted. His father, who didn’t double down on football, displayed rare talent during his brief stint in the sport.
Hunter Sr. ran track and played football while attending Boynton Beach High School in Florida. At the age of 15, he ran a 10.82-second 100-meter race and set the school record for a 4×100-meter relay. He also had a semi-professional football career, playing for the Florida Football Alliance and the Southern States Football League, where he won the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award in 2007.
Hunter has followed in his father’s footsteps, and his father has supported him throughout his career. He has been spotted numerous times at Hunter’s games, both at Jackson State and Colorado.
Why Wasn’t Travis Hunter Sr. at the Heisman Ceremony?
Hunter’s dad was notably absent during the Heisman ceremony leaving many curious about his whereabouts and wondering why he would miss such a huge moment. Though Hunter suggested that his dad couldn’t make it to the ceremony, his father’s own words contradict this.
In a discussion with the Palm Beach Post, Travis Sr. said, “I don’t want to go. I want to be there when he gets married and when he gets drafted. I’m going to watch this from home.”
He explained further, saying, “I really don’t feel different because I always knew he could win, if he put his mind to win … He’s always had that … since he started playing football when he was four years old.”
Travis Hunter speaking directly to his father, who couldn’t make the Heisman ceremony tonight, is the only video you need to see tonight pic.twitter.com/lCa0W9yt5s
— Nick Rothschild (@nick_rothschild) December 15, 2024
Hunter, ecstatic from his Heisman win, gave an emotional speech honoring his father.
“I want to say something to my father. He’s not here. But I know you’re watching on TV,” Hunter said. “Dad, I love you. All the stuff you went through man. Now look at your oldest son. I did it for you man.”
He added, “I know you wanted to be here but can’t, but trust me, I’m bringing the trophy home. I love you.”
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