The bond between Travis Hunter and ‘Coach Prime’ Deion Sanders was on full display after the two-way superstar won the Heisman Trophy in New York on Saturday night
Travis Hunter immediately hugged Deion Sanders after being named the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner (
Image: ESPN)
Colorado Buffaloes two-way star and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter shared an emotional moment with his head coach, Deion Sanders, after claiming the award.
Hunter, 21, played at an elite level at both receiver and corner in 2024, and he was rewarded for his efforts by being crowned the best college football player of the season in New York, claiming the highly prestigious Heisman Trophy ahead of Boise State’s running back phenom Ashton Jeanty.
The Florida native has now completed his third and final season in college football after declaring he’d be available for selection in next April’s 2025 NFL Draft. It was also his third season under the stewardship of Coach Prime, who has helped aid his growth since their days at Jackson State.
Hunter, a former No. 1 recruit, originally committed to play for Mike Norvell at Florida State before surprisingly flipping to FCS Jackson State, where Sanders was getting his feet under the desk. Following the 2022 season, Sanders headed to Boulder to be head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes, and the NFL legend stated he’d be bringing his own luggage with him, which included his sons Shedeur and Shilo Sanders, as well as Hunter.
Despite not making the college football playoffs in his two seasons at Colorado, Coach Prime and the Buffaloes have dominated the football news cycle, especially with their two top stars, two-way sensation Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders, both of whom are expected to be picked high in the first round next April.
Head coach Sanders’ impact on Hunter was on full display in New York as he won the Heisman Trophy, which the NFL great has been campaigning in favor of for the past two seasons. Before making his way to the stage, the pair shared an emotional embrace, with a teary Hunter burying his head on Sanders’ shoulder.
Hunter followed it up by hugging Shedeur, with whom he shares a brotherly bond. “Love you, bro,” Coach Prime appeared to say to Hunter. “Appreciate it, bro,” Hunter replied.
Travis Hunter was named the Heisman Trophy winner ahead of Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty ( Getty)
Hunter then paid tribute to the Sanders family on stage. “I want to thank Coach Prime, Shedeur,” Hunter said. “Man, y’all changed my life forever. That one simple phone call, Shedeur.
“Look where I’m at. Man, that’s crazy, bro. It’s crazy. I’m trying not to get emotional because I know our last game is coming up soon. Coach Prime, I’m gonna whoop you on that lake tomorrow or whenever we get the chance. But thank you, man, you changed my life forever.”
Coach Prime is expected to stay in his post in Boulder despite many claiming he should head back to the NFL in a head coach role. His two sons, Shedeur and Shilo, will move on alongside Hunter.
