Few things sting more than celebrating success without the people who mean the most to you—and Travis Hunter knows that pain all too well. Known for his infectious smile and easygoing nature, the Colorado Buffaloes’ dynamic quarterback has carried a quiet sorrow behind his cheerful exterior.
After capping off his college career with a fairytale ending and a Heisman Trophy, one person was missing—his father. But as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, fate has taken a kinder turn. This time, Hunter’s dad will be in the crowd, cheering him on. Among the many who celebrated the news was the wife of Ole Miss coach Randall Joyner, who offered a touching three-word response: “This is beautiful.”
Everything seems to be coming together for Hunter after a year filled with highs and lows. He battled through a lacerated liver that sidelined him for three games, followed by a shoulder injury.
Things began to look up when he won the Heisman, but controversy found him again after a comment about MLB star Shohei Ohtani drew criticism. Through it all, his father, Travis Hunter Sr., was absent—dealing with his own struggles after a 2023 arrest that led to a 90-day sentence in September 2024. A former standout in track and football, Hunter Sr. had always been a key influence in his son’s athletic journey.
Though released just nine days before the Heisman ceremony, Hunter Sr. was placed on probation with house arrest for the first year—leaving him to watch his son’s biggest moment from a distance. Still, things took a hopeful turn on April 23, when ESPN reported the court granted him permission to attend the 2025 NFL Draft in person.
As fans flooded the news with messages of support, one comment stood out: “This is beautiful,” wrote Trimeisha Joyner, the wife of Ole Miss defensive line coach Randall Joyner.
Despite playing for a team outside the SEC, Hunter has earned admiration from across the college football world—including Ole Miss. When Colorado suffered a brutal 42-6 loss to Oregon in 2023, online critics pounced. A disheartened Hunter tweeted, “What Do You People Get Out Of Hating?” That’s when Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin stepped in, tweeting encouragement: “It’s truly sad, Travis. I’m a big fan. Keep grinding. @TravisHunterJr It’s what they do.” But even with support pouring in, one absence continued to weigh heavily on the young star’s heart.
The Heisman ceremony was meant to be one of the happiest moments of Hunter’s life—but without his dad there, it felt incomplete. Known for his enthusiastic spirit, even Hunter admitted he expected to break down once the spotlight faded. “I know imma break down and cry after, you know, everybody goes away because I’m trying to act tough in front of everybody,” he confessed. And that’s exactly what happened on December 14.
As he clutched the bronze Heisman Trophy, tears streamed down his face—not from joy alone, but from longing. The packed crowd seemed empty to him without his father present. Through trembling words, he shared his heart: “Dad, I love you. All the stuff you went through, man… look at your oldest son. I did it for you, man.”
Though physically apart, the emotional connection remained strong. A heartfelt moment was captured as Hunter Sr. stood silently in front of a television, watching his son’s triumph. Surrounded by friends, he quietly wiped his tears away, overwhelmed by pride. With the NFL Draft just around the corner, fans now hope for a special reunion—and maybe a father-son speech that will leave us all emotional.
