On September 7, Travis Hunter celebrated his NFL regular-season debut with fans by taking a victory lap—a practice that goes back to his college days. That joy as he walked around the gridiron at EverBank Stadium, however, paled in comparison to what he felt as he walked out of the hospital following his newborn’s release from the neonatal intensive care unit. His smile said it all.

With a gentle, practiced hand, the Jacksonville Jaguars rookie comforted and tucked his newborn son into the cot seat, officially closing a challenging chapter. NFL commentator Dov Kleiman captured the collective sigh of relief, sharing the “Heartwarming” video, originally posted by Hunter’s wife Leanna Lenee on TikTok, noting, “Jaguars rookie star WR/CB Travis Hunter and his wife Leanna Lenee officially took their baby boy home from the NICU today. What a special moment captured 🥹❤️” This profound personal journey runs parallel to a professional one that is just as groundbreaking.

While navigating the fears and joys of first-time fatherhood, Hunter was also making NFL history. In his Week 1 debut against the Panthers, the #2 overall pick was unprecedented.

Logging 6 receptions for 33 yds on offense while also taking 6 defensive snaps at cornerback, he became the first player in 20 years to record at least five catches and five defensive snaps in a single game. His quiet strength off the field seems to fuel his relentless versatility on it. Head Coach Liam Coen confirmed the organization’s intention to unleash his full two-way potential, stating, “The goal is to increase and continue to increase. It just so happens that we’re playing Cincinnati with two good wideouts this week.”

As for the baby, the floodgates of support opened instantly.

From gridiron glory to fatherhood’s first huddle

Fans, who had only weeks prior been marveling at his on-field debut, now celebrated this off-field milestone with equal fervor. One fan simply praised, “Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Travis Hunter on the birth of your baby boy. Hopefully, Mom and baby are doing great.”

Another, already looking ahead to his next game, joked, “He’s scoring a touchdown this weekend.” But perhaps the most resonant comment came from someone who understood the NICU’s unique trial by fire, writing, “Did 2 weeks in there on that couch- That NICU will turn a boy into a man. Congrats sir.”

The entire event was a masterclass in grace and privacy, a point not lost on others. One admirer noted, “This is what you call protecting your peace while pregnant. Never confirmed or denied anything. Just privately celebrating the moments.”

This profound personal journey is the foundation of a partnership that began when Hunter texted Leanna on Instagram. What began as a friendship slowly blossomed into a romance that survived his celebrated college journey from Jackson State to Colorado. After a two-year engagement, Hunter popped the question to Leanna last year in February. The two tied the knot on May 24th this year, and three months later, the couple announced that they had welcomed a baby boy into the world.

And Head Coach Liam Coen plans to expand his role, especially with a tough matchup against Cincinnati looming. But for now, the game plan is secondary. The real playbook has been about family. In a heartfelt YouTube video titled “Dear Son…”, Hunter opened up about the emotional whirlwind, and Leanna later shared how they managed to keep her entire pregnancy a stunning secret from the public.

Through it all, they’ve had guidance from those who know best, including his former coach, Deion Sanders. A father himself, coach Sanders gave him the advice of a lifetime, “Let’s correct all the things that we think that we didn’t receive as a child, and let’s correct that in our fatherhood.” For Travis Hunter, this season will be measured in more than just yards and interceptions; it will be measured in the quiet moments of a first car ride home, a victory far greater than any other.