Palm Beach County native Travis Hunter Jr. was crowned as the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner on Saturday night in New York City.
Hunter Jr., a two-way superstar with the Colorado Buffaloes, delivered an emotional victory speech where he expressed gratitude to the coaches, family, and supporters who were instrumental in his journey to achieving this prestigious award in college football.
Emotional Messages and Acknowledgements
Hunter’s heartfelt remarks directed towards his father, who was not present at the ceremony, resonated deeply with the audience. He acknowledged Travis Hunter Sr., saying, ‘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. For all the stuff you went through man… Now look at your oldest son. I did it for you, man.’
A Father’s Decision
Despite his son’s monumental occasion, Travis Hunter Sr. chose to remain in Boynton Beach during the ceremony. He stated in a recent interview, ‘I don’t want to go. I want to be there when he gets married and when he gets drafted. I’m going to watch this from home.’
Travis Sr. reflected on his son’s achievements, expressing unwavering belief in his talent from an early age. ‘I really don’t feel no different because I always know he could win, if he put his mind to win,’ he noted.
Who is Travis Hunter Sr.?
Travis Hunter Sr. was a standout athlete in his own right, excelling in both football and track during his high school years. He was known for his impressive speed and athleticism, setting several records that still stand. Despite facing challenges, including a recent sentence that kept him away from watching all of his son’s games, he remained a constant source of support for Hunter Jr.
‘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,’ Travis Sr. commented, illustrating his belief in his son’s potential.
Next Steps for Travis Hunter Jr.
Following his Heisman victory, Travis Hunter Jr. leads the Buffaloes into the Alamo Bowl, where they will face BYU on December 28. He has also expressed intentions to enter the NFL Draft, where expectations are high for his future in professional football.
In conclusion, Travis Hunter Jr. has not only made history as a Heisman winner but has also strengthened the bond with his father, proving that their journey together has only just begun.
