College football star Travis Hunter won the 2024 Heisman trophy after his outstanding season as both a dominant lockdown cornerback and elite wide receiver at Colorado this season.
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That is to say, during his Heisman acceptance speech the 21-year-old phenom spoke directly towards his father, who was watching from his grandma's house in Georgia, after recently being released from prison following 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 said. "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."
Video footage showed his father's reaction to watching 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
As for why Hunter's dad was watching at home on TV, instead of in-person, the Boynton Beach high school football legend spoke to reporters about this.
"I don't want to go," Hunter Sr. said in an interview on December 5. "I want to be there when he gets married and when he gets drafted. I'm going to watch this from home."
Hunter's dad said he always knew his son would be great.
"I really don't feel no different because I always know 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" (per Palm Beach Post).
Hunter also noted that his head coach, NFL hall of famer Deion Sanders, is another 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
All in all, both the parents and coach were proud of Travis, who became the 78th Heisman winner ever.
Travis Hunter’s mother is a Heisman worthy mom!
She said “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
Certainly, the future is bright for the cornerback that was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. Oh, not to mention he was also 1st Team All-Big 12 at wide receiver.
With this in mind, a lot of questions remain about how Hunter will be utilized at the next level.
Ultimately, mock drafts have him going as high as the No. 1 overall pick, depending on the team that ends up with the worst record in the NFL this season.
Related: Travis Hunter's Girlfriend Gets Mad After Heisman Winner Takes Pictures With Fans
