Well, the heartbreaking feeling of witnessing success and not having close ones around to celebrate it with is one of the worst feelings. And who knows it better than Travis Hunter? The Colorado Buffaloes’ dual-threat is often known for his ear-to-ear grin and his easy-going demeanor. But not everybody knows that the young chap hides some big sorrow behind that broad smile. He had a fairy-tale ending in college, closing it with a Heisman in his hand. Sadly, his father was absent from the event. While he could still bear the loss, another big event is coming up for Hunter. And the Buffs’ dual-threat found the God of Luck by his side as during the 2025 NFL Draft, he would have his father cheering for him from the audience. While it’s definitely a happy moment for the Colorado fam, Ole Miss Rebels’ coach’s wife also dropped in her support.
That’s how suddenly, all of a sudden, everything falls into place. Over the past year, Hunter has seen enough. The superstar suffered a lacerated liver last season and missed three games; later on, he suffered from a shoulder injury. Things started to look a little better as he grabbed the Heisman Trophy. But he again landed in the hot seat for making a foul comment about MLB star Shohei Ohtani and turned into a hate magnet. All this happened without having his role model, his father, Travis Hunter Sr., around. His father was not there to witness his good or bad moments. Hunter Sr. was arrested in 2023 on g- – and d- – – charges, and was sentenced to 90 days in September 2024. That was indeed a big shock for Hunter, since he has inherited his athletic ability from his father, a former track and football standout in Florida.
While the Buffs’ two-way star’s father was released, he was placed on a three-year probation and ordered to complete the first year under house arrest. Unfortunately, this happened just nine days prior to the Heisman ceremony, and the father could only witness his son’s special day from the other side of the TV screen. But the father-son duo seemed to have prayed hard this time. And the universe has listened to their prayers. On April 23, ESPN confirmed, “Court allows Travis Hunter’s father go to NFL draft.” As the comment section filled with CFB fans feeling happy about their two-way star, one comment stood out. That was from Ole Miss Rebels’ defensive line/ run game coordinator, Randall Joyner’s wife, Trimeisha Joyner. She wrote, “This is beautiful.”
Even though Hunter neither belongs to the Rebels team nor to their conference, he has been really dear to the Ole Miss program. Back in 2023, there was a time when Colorado suffered a decisive 42-6 defeat at the hands of Oregon. The haters got too happy with the Buffs’ loss. Heartbroken, Hunter tweeted, “What Do You People Get Out Of Hating?” That’s when Lane Kiffin came up to boost the two-way star’s morale, asking him to keep his head held high. The Ole Miss head coach tweeted, “It’s truly sad Travis. I’m a big fan. Keep grinding. @TravisHunterJr It’s what they do.” But amidst all this support and love, Hunter could still feel a big void.
Travis Hunter had an empty feeling with a Heisman in hand
Yes, the Heisman Award was supposed to be one of the happiest days of his life. For a person like Hunter, who gets excited at the smallest of things, the day couldn’t get any tougher. The otherwise chirpy Hunter even broke down on the stage, missing his dad. Maybe he has been holding up for too long. So, as soon as he got to know that he would run the Heisman race, he confessed, “I know imma break down and cry after, you know, everybody goes away because I’m trying to act tough in front of everybody.” On December 14th, this is exactly what happened.
As soon as the two-way star was handed the bronze trophy, tears rolled down his cheeks. The audience was filled to the brim, yet he found it empty. After all, his biggest supporter, his dad, was not there in person. However, Hunter did not forget to send his gratitude. “Dad, I love you. All the stuff you went through, man…. look at your oldest son. I did it for you, man,” his voice trembled.
Miles apart, things felt heavier for the proud father, too. Divided by distance, Travis Hunter Sr. did not miss witnessing his son’s best day. A video was captured where the father stood in front of a TV screen, watching Travis Hunter take the stage. Watching his son wiping the tears away, his dad couldn’t hold back his own. While Hunter Sr. was surrounded by his mates, the proud father soaked in the moment without uttering any words. Here’s hoping April 25 brings us a Draft Day moment with a father-son speech.
The post Ole Miss Coach’s Wife Reacts With 3 Words as Court Clears Travis Hunter’s Dad for NFL Draft appeared first on EssentiallySports.