This holiday season, there will be no posts, no photos under the tree, at least not from Leanna Lenee, Travis Hunter’s fiancée. Lenee’s Instagram account, which had been a point of public interest over the past few weeks, is no longer available. Upon attempting to visit her profile, fans are met with a “sorry, this page isn’t available” message, suggesting that Lenee, like her partner Hunter, has deactivated her social media account in the wake of online criticism.
Hunter, the Colorado Buffaloes’ two-way star and a potential top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has been thrust into the spotlight this year, culminating in his Heisman Trophy win. With this surge in fame has come increased attention on his personal life, particularly his relationship with Lenee, his partner of five years. This has led to significant scrutiny, much of which has been directed at Lenee for her perceived reactions during Hunter’s rise to stardom.
Online Backlash Leading Up to Heisman Ceremony
In the weeks leading up to the Heisman ceremony, social media users picked apart a seemingly awkward moment shared by the couple during the Buffaloes’ final regular-season game. The two were seen in an embrace on the field, and their body language was criticized, with many speculating that Lenee appeared irritated with Hunter.
Hunter, however, defended his fiancée during an appearance on “The Pivot Podcast,” hosted by former NFL players Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, and Channing Crowder. He explained that Lenee’s reaction during the game was due to the pressure and stress she experiences behind the scenes.
“She might look irritated towards me, but at the same time, there’s a lot of stuff she deals with during the game,” Hunter said. “There’s a lot of stuff people don’t see.”
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Defending Their Relationship
This wasn’t the first time Hunter had come to Lenee’s defense, nor would it be the last. As the Heisman ceremony approached and Hunter’s name gained national recognition, Lenee continued to face public scrutiny. After Hunter’s historic Heisman win, she was once again in the spotlight.
In videos taken after Hunter’s name was announced as the Heisman winner, viewers noticed that Lenee did not immediately stand to applaud. Colorado head coach Deion Sanders appeared to signal to Lenee to get up, prompting her to respond in her own way.
In a TikTok video, Lenee explained that she initially hesitated to stand, thinking it would be improper, since Hunter’s mother, who was also in attendance, did not get up right away. She later defended herself against the online critics, calling them “bird-brained.”
The Emotional Toll of the Criticism
In the days following the Heisman announcement, Hunter spoke out about the emotional toll the public backlash had on both him and Lenee. During a Twitch live stream, he shared his frustration with the constant hate directed at his fiancée, emphasizing that their bond was inseparable.
“Y’all hate on me then you go hate on my girl,” Hunter said, his voice laced with emotion. “I feel the same thing that she feels. We’re inseparable. We’re with each other. If she’s hurting I’m hurting [and vice versa] … she’s still sleeping. She’s lump. You know when you’re hurt you just cry yourself to sleep and you be gone. She’s drunk OD amount tonight for no reason.”
The Impact of Public Scrutiny
The harsh criticism Lenee received highlights the challenges athletes and their loved ones face when thrust into the public eye. While Hunter’s success and his Heisman victory were significant milestones, the added pressure of constant online judgment has clearly taken a toll on both him and Lenee.
As the couple moves forward, it’s evident that they remain deeply connected, despite the external pressures. Lenee’s decision to step away from social media could be a response to the relentless scrutiny, offering her a break from the online world as she focuses on her relationship with Hunter.
As the holidays continue and Hunter’s draft stock rises, it remains to be seen how the couple will navigate the heightened attention.
For now, their priority seems to be maintaining their bond and shielding their relationship from the negativity that has surrounded them in recent weeks.
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