‘Emotional’ Travis Hunter shares special moments with Deion Sanders moments after winning the Heisman Trophy
Travis Hunter marked history with first defensive to win Heisman since 1997 and Colorado’s second-ever to win the same.
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Deion Sanders and Travis Hunter (Image via Open Source/X)
The Colorado Buffaloes might not have made it to the championship game or the College Football Playoff. The Buffs got their silver lining of the season as two-way star Travis Hunter won the prestigious Heisman trophy awarded to the best collegiate athlete. The young offensive player is only the second Buffaloes player to ever do so – the first was the late Rashaan Salaam.
Travis Hunter has made history as the first defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy since Michigan’s Charles Woodson in 1997. He is also the first wide receiver to claim the award since Alabama’s DeVonta Smith in 2020. On Thursday night, Hunter also earned the Chuck Bednarik Award for best defensive player and the Fred Biletnikoff Award for best wide receiver, showcasing his dominance on both sides of the ball.
Head coach Deion Sanders‘ influence on Travis Hunter was clear in New York as Hunter won the Heisman Trophy, a goal Sanders had passionately supported for the past two seasons. Before heading to the stage, the two shared a heartfelt moment, with Hunter, overcome with emotion, hugging Sanders tightly and resting his head on his coach’s shoulder.
Sanders, now the head coach of the Buffaloes, has been more than just a coach to Hunter. He’s been a role model, a motivator, and a father figure. The bond between the two transcends football — it’s rooted in mutual respect, shared ambitions, and a love for the game.
Hunter has often spoken about how Sanders’ legendary career and unwavering belief in his players have driven him to push boundaries and embrace challenges. On stage, Travis Hunter expressed his gratitude to the Sanders family.
I want to thank Coach Prime and Shedeur. You guys changed my life forever. That one simple phone call from Shedeur — look where I am now. It’s unbelievable, man. I’m trying to hold back tears because I know our last game together is coming up soon. Coach Prime, I’m going to beat you at the lake tomorrow or whenever we get the chance. But seriously, thank you for everything. You’ve changed my life forever.
Travis Hunter said
This moment between between Travis Hunter and Deion Sanders after he won the 2024 Heisman Trophy ?
— ESPN (@espn) December 15, 2024
All the feels ? pic.twitter.com/BTthGYNJyg
While many speculate that Deion Sanders should take on a head coaching role in the NFL, he is expected to stay at Colorado. His sons, Shedeur and Shilo, along with Hunter, are set to move on from Boulder, marking the end of an extraordinary chapter.
Travis Hunter recreated the iconic Prime Time locker room picture with his twist
Before Super Bowl XXIX, Deion Sanders etched an iconic moment in football history. Sitting in front of his locker in street clothes, Sanders had his full uniform — gloves and wristbands included — carefully laid out on the floor beside him. The photo captured more than a pre-game ritual. It embodied the confidence, preparation, and charisma that defined “Prime Time.”
Fast forward to New York, where Travis Hunter found himself on the cusp of another significant moment. Hours before stepping onto the stage to accept his accolades, Hunter channeled the spirit of his coach in a striking tribute. Instead of a locker room chair, he sat on a couch. Instead of a uniform, he laid out the light blue suit for the ceremony. The gesture wasn’t just a nod to a legendary moment — it was a testament to Hunter’s deep connection with Sanders.
Hunter honored his mentor’s legacy while carving out his own. It’s a story of connection, inspiration, and the enduring impact of a coach who sees potential in the athlete and the person. Hunter and Sanders prove that it’s not just about football. It’s about what it means to lead, inspire, and leave a lasting mark on the game and each other’s lives.
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Mohammed Bazim
(405 Articles Published)