It was a career-defining moment for the Buffs’ star!
Colorado Buffs football star Travis Hunter has won the Heisman Trophy award, People reports. The 21-year-old was overwhelmed with gratitude, thanking his friends, family, and coaches during the ceremony held at the Lincoln Center in New York City. The award is given out annually to the best player in college football. This year’s win was particularly significant, Hunter making history as the first two-way player to win the Heisman Trophy in nearly 30 years, according to Sports Illustrated.
Hunter, who plays both wide receiver and cornerback, caught a record 92 passes for 14 touchdowns and 1.152 yards offensively this season. Defensively, he also has four intercepted passes, 31 tackles, 15 passes defended, and one forced fumble. Hunter’s efforts helped lead Colorado to their 9-3 season finish and a spot in the Alamo Bowl. He also became the first player to win both the Bednarik Award as the nation’s best defensive player and the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s most outstanding receiver.
The junior beat out Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty and quarterback finalists Cameron Ward (Miami) and Dillon Gabriel (Oregon) to win the Heisman. Hunter is the second Colorado player to win the Heisman, running back Rashaan Salaam taking it home in 1994. He is also the first two-way and first full-time defensive player to win the Heisman since Michigan cornerback Charles Woodson won the Heisman, defeating Peyton Manning in 1997. This is only the second time a non-quarterback has won the Heisman, with Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith taking home the award in 2015.
“It brought me great joy to see you up there on that stage last night because you are what the Heisman Trophy is all about,” Woodson said in response to Hunter’s win.
Hunter got emotional during his acceptance speech, sending a personal shout-out to his father, Travis Hunter Sr. His father couldn’t attend the ceremony, so he sent Hunter’s grandmother in his stead. However, he watched from home to celebrate his baby boy’s win.
“I want to say something to my father. He’s not here. But 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,” Hunter said through tears.
“I know you wanted to be here, and you can’t, but trust me, I got you. I’m bringing the trophy home. I love you,” he added.
Still, the room was full of praise for the former No. 1 college football recruit, with everyone congratulating him on his win. Buffs coach Deion Sanders, who first recruited Hunter at Jackson State, was there to celebrate with Hunter alongside his son Shedeur. Rapper Lil Wayne also made a special appearance to celebrate Hunter’s big day. The star athlete credits the rapper’s music for helping him get prepped for game days. Hunter has already declared that he’ll enter the 2025 draft, and there’s no doubt he has a bright future ahead.
Congrats Travis!
Cover photo: Travis Hunter Makes History as First 2-Way Player to Win Heisman Trophy in Nearly 30 Years/Todd Van Emst/Heisman Trust/Pool/Associated Press