The Heisman trophy in hand, a legacy unfolding, and the world watching—no moment could be bigger. Yet, as Travis Hunter basked in the New York City lights, one key figure was missing: his father, Travis Hunter Sr. The cameras swiveled, social media buzzed, and whispers began. Had his dad skipped out on his son’s greatest triumph? Was there a rift? Something more? Before the rumors could spiral, Hunter Jr. put them to rest. And it’s easy to see why his father’s presence was so important.

Travis Hunter Sr., a track and football star in his own right, blazed a trail for his son. With a 10.82 100-meter dash and a school 4x100m relay record that still stands (not to mention an 82-yard kick return and a 46-yard pick-six), he proved speed runs in the family—a fact Travis Hunter Jr. confirmed with a 21.4 mph chase-down tackle. Amidst the “Top 2, not 2” draft hype and 24/7 buzz, Travis Hunter Sr., after missing his son’s Heisman moment, shared an emotional and heartfelt message with his son and the world.

When Hunter took that mic after securing college football’s highest honor, he didn’t just thank his teammates, coaches, or even his own grind. He turned straight to his father, who wasn’t in the building but was still right there with him. “Dad, I love you. All the stuff you went through, man, look at your oldest son. I did it for you,” Hunter said, voice thick with emotion. “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.” And just like that, every wild theory got put to rest.

On February 8, Hunter Sr. made it known—no matter where he was, his son’s success was his success. He took it to his IG story, posting a graphic art of him and his boy cradling the Heisman like a newborn baby, captioning it: “My son always find a way to keep me by his side 🦾❤💯.” And to set the mood? Lil Durk’s ‘The Voice’ playing in the background. If that doesn’t scream fatherly love, what does? Hunter Sr. had always believed his son would be here and had been speaking it into existence since Travis was four years old. And now the world had caught up.

Turns out, the reason Travis Hunter Sr. wasn’t in New York wasn’t some Hollywood-style drama. He wasn’t dodging the spotlight or ducking his son’s shine. The truth? He had just gotten out of Palm Beach County’s West Detention Center after serving a 90-day sentence from a 2023 arrest. The timing was cruel. He got released early, but not early enough. He had to sit back and watch his son etch his name in history from a distance. But even though he missed the moment in real-time, his pride was brimming bright.

Now, the Heisman was just the beginning. Next stop? The NFL Draft, where Hunter ain’t just in the top pick convo—he’s the convo. Projected to go number one, he’s got teams lining up for him like it’s Black Friday: Titans, Browns, Giants, Patriots—somebody’s about to change their franchise with this pick. But being the top dog ain’t all roses, and a certain former Heisman winner turned NFL MVP had some hard truths for him.

Cam Newton shares wisdom with Travis Hunter on No. 1 pick hopes

Cam Newton knows exactly what it means to be the golden ticket in the draft. Heisman? Check. National Champion? Check. First overall pick? Also check. But on a recent episode of The Travis Hunter Show, Newton didn’t sugarcoat a thing. “You could potentially be the first pick, but bro, you have no way of impacting the game like a quarterback does.” Newton laid it down straight. “You could lock down the number one receiver. You can make impact plays on offense all you want, but it’s still not a quarterback.”

It was a dose of reality Hunter might not have expected, but if anyone can rewrite history, it’s him. The stats back it up: 1,250+ receiving yards, 15 touchdowns, and four picks on defense. A two-way phenom who can tilt a game in ways we haven’t seen since Charles Woodson. But Newton’s point still lingers—cornerbacks and wide receivers don’t get the same leash QBs do. Hunter might go first overall, but if he does, he’s got to be ready for a different type of pressure.

The 2025 NFL Draft is set for April 24-26 in Green Bay, and Hunter’s going to find out firsthand what it means to carry expectations and burden on his back. And this time? His pops won’t be watching from the sidelines—he’ll be front row, watching his son take the final step from college legend to NFL superstar. Ain’t no missing this one.