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Travis Hunter’s dad rocks some serious ice in heartwarming moment before NFL draft

Travis Hunter Sr. received court permission to be there for his son on draft night, and he certainly made an impression with his look.
Matt Ryan|
CU football standout athlete Travis Hunter flashes a No. 1 with his finger after a win against CSU in the Rocky Mountain Showdown at Canvas Stadium.
CU football standout athlete Travis Hunter flashes a No. 1 with his finger after a win against CSU in the Rocky Mountain Showdown at Canvas Stadium. | Cris Tiller / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Travis Hunter’s father Travis Hunter Sr. wasn’t able to be there when his son won the Heisman Trophy, but he certainly wasn’t missing his his big day for the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Hunter Jr. out of the Colorado Buffaloes was the first two-way player to win the coveted college award since Michigan Wolverines’ star Charles Woodson in 1997. During his acceptance speech, the younger Hunter gave an emotional shout out to his dad.

RELATED: Who is Travis Hunter’s dad who missed the Heisman Trophy ceremony?

Deion Sanders and Travis Hunte
Travis Hunter’s dad couldn’t make the Heisman Trophy ceremony, but coach Deion Sanders was there for him. | Todd Van Emst/Heisman Trust via Imagn Images

“And I want to say something to my father. He's not here to be 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 older son. I did it for you, man. All the times that you didn't get to see me. When the times you came to see my games, from not seeing probably two games in high school to seeing me on TV every weekend and come to see me, man. That means so much to me. 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.”

While Hunter Sr. wasn’t there, he had his own emotional moment to seeing Jr. win.

RELATED: Travis Hunter’s fiancée Leanna Lenee surprises him with elite gift before NFL draft

Hunter Sr. was released from jail in December after serving a 90-day sentence for a crime he committed in 2023 and is on a three-year probation in Florida. A judge granted him permission to attend the draft and see his son.

And what a moment for dad as his son first showed off his can’t-miss fit, and then a video of Sr. getting his suit game on with some serious ice.

That’s a good-looking suit, and quite the chain his got around his neck. No doubt, it’s a night he and his son will never forget.

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Matt Ryan
MATT RYAN

Matt Ryan is a dedicated sports journalist with over 20 years of experience in digital and linear media. After receiving a Masters in Journalism from USC, he’s worked for Fox Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo Sports, USA Today Sports Media Group, and Bally Sports, while holding various leadership roles along the way.

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