“Disdain for Deion Sanders…” Travis Hunter not being considered for another college football award brings out bizarre theory
Colorado Buffaloes two-way star Travis Hunter not making the final list for the Jim Thorpe Award has Deion Sanders mad.
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Deion Sanders has had an impact on Colorado Buffaloes star Travis Hunter not being a finalist for Jim Thorpe Award (Image via Imago)
Travis Hunter has been electrifying during his time playing for Deion Sanders, both with Jackson State as well as with the Colorado Buffaloes. Playing both sides of the ball and excelling at them both times is as rare as it gets. Even then, voters have snubbed him from making the final list for one particular award.
The Jim Thorpe Award honors football players who excel as defensive backs. Deion Sanders was one of the famous recipients in 1988 and the award has since been awarded to many outstanding players. However, Travis Hunter, who plays the cornerback position along with wide receiver, has been omitted from the list of finalists.
This omission has come under a lot of controversy as Hunter has done enough to be at least a finalist. When considering his contributions on offense, voters should recognize that he is a talent like no other. But while discussing this on Speak, on FS1, former player Emmanuel Acho had a different take.
It is a disgrace to the award, and it undermines the integrity of the award. Travis Hunter should at least be a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award. I suggest that people’s disdain for Deion Sanders is what’s leading to Travis Hunter not being a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award.
Emmanuel Acho on Speak
People’s unnecessary disdain for @DeionSanders has robbed Travis Hunter of the Thorpe award. Let’s keep it real.
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) November 27, 2024
“Travis Hunter not being a finalist undermines the integrity of the award.”pic.twitter.com/78tgHmsjdQ
The former linebacker did admit that other standout players look set to win it over the Colorado Buffaloes star. But that still did not justify leaving him out of the conversation altogether. Acho felt Travis Hunter‘s skills have helped his defense play elite football to a 1st place in the Big 12.
Deion Sanders has another theory for Travis Hunter’s omission
Travis Hunter is in the running to win the Heisman Trophy. Along with that, he is already a finalist for five more awards.
In an unprecedented situation, college football has one player who can go home with multiple awards in his hands. His head coach Sanders feels that could be the reason for not being a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award.
This is my theory. They’re thinking that you are going to win other awards, and you weren’t going to be there. So, they figure you’re going to win this award and not want to come get that award. That really made me mad.
Deion Sanders on Well Off Media
Sanders arrived at that conclusion when he checked the dates of the Jim Thorpe Award and those of some others. He figured that that particular award night was clashing with others, which made him feel that they might as well give it to someone who can attend.
The NFL Hall of Famer then went on to explain that even before one looks at the statistics, they will know that Travis Hunter should have been a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award. A further glance at the statistics will confirm their understanding. That’s why Deion Sanders feels frustrated about his pupil’s omission.
Related: Deion Sanders gives stern Travis Hunter warning to NFL teams before NFL Draft
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Joseph Varghese
(2268 Articles Published)