Travis Hunter, Colorado wide receiver and cornerback, won the Heisman Trophy on Saturday evening. In his acceptance speech, with tears welled up in his eyes, he addressed his father, Travis Hunter Sr.
As Travis Hunter accepted the most famous award in North American sports, he said this to his father:
"I want to say something to my father. He's not here and wasn't able to make it but I know you're watching on TV. Dad, I love you. All the stuff you went through, man.... look at your oldest son. I did it for you, man. All the times you ain't get to see me, and the times that you came to see my games. From probably two games in high school to seeing me on TV every weekend and coming to see me, man, that means so much to me."
He continued, acknowledging that his father wanted to be there but couldn't, but Travis promised he's "got" his dad, adding that he's bringing the trophy home. I love you."
Who are Travis Hunter's parents?
Travis Hunter's father is Travis Hunter Sr. and his mother is Ferrante Edmonds. Hunter's father was an athlete back in the day, having run track and played football for the Boynton Beach High School, Florida. Per Sporting News, he played semi-professional football for the state's Football Alliance and Southern States Football League, and in 2007, he was awarded Offensive Rookie of the Year for the SSFL. As for the event on December 14, he revealed that he would not be going.
In a statement to The Palm Beach, Travis Hunter's father asserted that he would not be making it to New York:
"I don't want to go," he said. "I want to be there when he gets married and when he gets drafted. I'm going to watch this from home."
He went on:
"I really don't feel no different because I always know he could win, if he put his mind to win. He's always had that … since he started playing football when he was 4 years old. At the end of the day, I would always tell him he's the best player anyway so he's got to go out there and play like it. Every time I'd tell him that he'd go out there and play like he's the best player in the world."
Following a 2023 arrest, Travis Sr. was sentenced to 90 days behind bars late this September. However, he was let go about three weeks early from the Palm Beach County West Detention Center, located in Belle Glade. While Travis Sr. has attended many of his son's games, in a statement to The Palm Beach, he noted that "it hurt" not being able to attend most of it.
Travis Hunter's mother, Edmond’s journey reflects the struggles and sacrifices many mothers face when striving to create better opportunities for their children. Her decision to uproot her family and pursue a new path highlights her resilience and determination. With unwavering faith and relentless support, she paved the way for Travis Hunter’s success, providing the foundation that allowed him to thrive.
She described Travis as her,
biggest blessing
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Together, the sacrifices of both his parents shaped Travis Hunter into the remarkable athlete and person he is today.
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