After weeks of speculation, the real reason for Travis Hunter’s father skipping the Heisman Trophy presentation has finally come to light—and it’s more poignant than fans may have expected. The Colorado Buffaloes’ two-way star was crowned Heisman champion in a dazzling ceremony in New York City over the weekend, cementing his place in college football history.
However, the absence of his father, Travis Hunter Sr., did not go unnoticed, especially during Hunter’s emotional acceptance speech.
A Tribute to His Absent Father
With millions of fans watching the broadcast, Hunter took a moment to directly address his father, who was noticeably absent from the event.
“I want to say something to my father,” Hunter began, visibly holding back tears. “He’s not here and wasn’t able to make it, but I know you’re watching on TV. Dad, I love you. For all the stuff you went through, man… now look at your oldest son. I did it for you.”
The heartfelt acknowledgment brought the audience to silence and left many wondering why Hunter Sr. chose not to attend such a monumental occasion in his son’s life.
The Real Reason for His Absence
In a recent interview with the Palm Beach Post, Hunter Sr. explained his decision, revealing it was a matter of personal choice rather than logistical issues.
“I don’t want to go,” he said candidly. “I want to be there when he gets married and when he gets drafted. I’m going to watch this from home.”
True to his word, Hunter Sr. stayed back in Boynton Beach, Florida, watching the ceremony on TV surrounded by close friends. A video later emerged showing the proud father overcome with emotion, bursting into tears when his son mentioned him during the speech.
A Tumultuous Journey
Hunter Sr.’s absence at the Heisman ceremony comes just weeks after his release from a 90-day prison sentence, which he completed early on December 5. Despite the challenges he has faced, he remains an unwavering supporter of his son’s meteoric rise under the mentorship of Deion Sanders at Colorado.
Reflecting on his son’s historic achievement, Hunter Sr. expressed immense pride but also an unwavering belief in his son’s potential. “I really don’t feel no different because I always knew he could win if he put his mind to it,” he shared. “He’s always had that… since he started playing football when he was 4 years old.”
Hunter Sr. added that he has always encouraged his son to aim for greatness. “At the end of the day, I would always tell him he’s the best player anyway, so he’s got to go out there and play like it. Every time I’d tell him that, he’d go out there and play like he’s the best player in the world.”
A Father’s Pride, From Afar
The video of Hunter Sr. watching the ceremony from home with friends paints a touching picture of a father deeply invested in his son’s success, even from a distance. As he watched his son thank him on national television, the moment brought tears to his eyes, reflecting the pride and love he holds for Travis.
Hunter Jr.’s Heisman win not only marks the pinnacle of his college football career but also sets the stage for the next chapter: the NFL. With just four months remaining until the 2025 NFL Draft, many expect the Colorado star to be the No. 1 overall pick. If that happens, Hunter Sr. has made it clear he plans to be there to share in that momentous occasion.
A Legacy in Progress
Travis Hunter’s journey to the Heisman Trophy and his father’s absence highlight the complexities of family dynamics, perseverance, and pride. While Hunter Sr. chose to stay home for the ceremony, his unwavering belief in his son’s talent and determination has clearly played a significant role in shaping the young athlete’s mindset.
For now, Hunter Jr. is focused on his future—both in college football and beyond. And when his name is inevitably called as the first pick in the NFL Draft, it’s clear that his father will be right there, celebrating by his side.
Leave a Reply