Colorado Buffaloes star Travis Hunter was awarded the prestigious Heisman Trophy on Saturday night, edging out Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty and other talented players in one of college football’s most memorable seasons. The spotlight was firmly on Hunter, his standout teammate Shedeur Sanders, head coach Deion Sanders, and even his fiancée Leanna Lenee. Yet, amidst the accolades and fanfare, a heartfelt story involving Hunter’s father touched the hearts of many.
A Heartfelt Tribute to His Father
During his acceptance speech, Hunter took an emotional pause to address his father, Travis Hunter Sr., who was not in attendance at the ceremony. Fighting back tears, the 21-year-old cornerback and wide receiver spoke directly to his dad, knowing he was watching from home.
“I want to say something to my father. He’s not here. But I know you’re watching on TV,” Hunter began, his voice breaking. “Dad, I love you. All the stuff you went through, man. Now, look at your oldest son. I did it for you, man.”
The room fell silent as Hunter continued, pouring his heart out.
“All the times that you ain’t get to see me, and the times that you came to see my games—from probably two games in high school to seeing me on TV every weekend and coming 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.”
Hunter Sr.’s Emotional Reaction at Home
While Hunter was delivering his speech on one of the biggest nights of his life, his father was watching intently from home. The elder Hunter had chosen not to attend the ceremony, opting instead to save those moments for future milestones.
“I want to be there when he gets married and when he gets drafted. I’m going to watch this from home,” Hunter Sr. told the Palm Beach Post.
Though he wasn’t physically present, his pride and emotion were palpable. A family friend, Edgar Martin, shared a moving video on Instagram of Hunter Sr.’s reaction as he watched his son’s speech. In the clip, the elder Hunter was visibly overcome with emotion, wiping tears from his eyes and cheering for his son. The video quickly went viral, touching fans across the nation.
A Mother’s Presence in New York
Representing the family in New York was Hunter’s mother, Shirley, who was there to witness her son make history.
“He could have went,” Shirley said of her husband’s decision to stay home. “He just wanted me to go in his place because I hadn’t been [to New York], and he wanted me to go instead of himself.”
Shirley was beaming with pride as she celebrated the moment with her son, proving that the Hunter family is deeply united in their love and support for each other.
A Remarkable Support System
The story of Travis Hunter’s rise to Heisman Trophy glory is as much about his incredible talent as it is about the unwavering support from his family. His father’s sacrifices and his mother’s constant encouragement have been foundational to his success. This moment was not just a celebration of Hunter’s achievements on the field, but also a testament to the power of family and perseverance.
As Hunter held the Heisman Trophy high, it was clear that his success was shared by everyone who has stood by his side—from his teammates and coaches to his parents, whose love and sacrifices have propelled him to greatness.
Looking Ahead
With the Heisman Trophy now in hand, Hunter’s journey is far from over. His next steps include preparing for the NFL, where he’s expected to make an immediate impact as one of the most versatile players in the draft.
But no matter how bright his future shines, it’s moments like these—anchored in family and love—that will remain etched in his heart forever.
