Travis Hunter’s father breaks down in tears after son wins Heisman Trophy
A video showing the father of the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner, Travis Hunter, in tears has gone viral.
The Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver and cornerback was named the best college footballer of the year at a ceremony in New York on Saturday. He is the first defensive and two-way player to win the award since 1997 and the first Buffaloes player to win the award in 30 years. The team’s last winner was running back Rashaan Salaam in 1994.
Travis Hunter gave an emotional speech while accepting the award that included a shoutout to his dad, Travis Hunter Sr., who was watching at home in Boynton Beach, Florida.
Travis Hunter Sr. has gone viral on social media for his emotional response to his son’s acceptance speech. Newsweek contacted Travis Hunter via the Buffaloes for comment on Monday.
AP Photo/Corey Sipkin
Who Is Travis Hunter’s Dad?
Travis Hunter Sr. was a formidable high school athlete himself, smashing records in the 100-meter sprint and Boynton Beach’s school record in the 4×100-meter relay, Sports Illustrated reported.
His family later moved to Georgia, where he played football at Collins Hill High School.
Travis Hunter Sr. didn’t travel to New York for the awards ceremony so his mother, Shirley Hunter, could attend instead.
“I don’t want to go,” he told the Palm Beach Post ahead of the ceremony. “I want to be there when he gets married and when he gets drafted. I’m going to watch this from home.”
In December, Travis Hunter Sr. was released three weeks early from a 90-day prison sentence related to a crime he committed in 2023.
He told the Palm Beach Post that “it hurt” not to be able to watch his son’s games while in jail.
WHOLESOME: Travis Hunter’s father broke down in tears watching his son give his Heisman Trophy-winning speech.
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This is beautiful. Travis and his dad have endured so much to get to where they are today.
pic.twitter.com/7SjMNyaDqf— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) December 16, 2024
What Has Travis Hunter Said About His Relationship With His Father?
Travis Hunter mentioned many relatives during his Heisman Trophy acceptance speech, but he became emotional when addressing his dad.
“I want to say something to my father,” the footballer began, adding: “I know you’re watching on TV. Dad, I love you. All the stuff you went through, man. Now, look at your oldest son. I did it for you, man. 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,” he said. “I’m bringing the trophy home. I love you.”
Shirley Hunter spoke with the Palm Beach Post about her son and grandson crying during the acceptance speech. She told the outlet, “His dad was doing the same thing because they are very close.”
