"Real good, real tough" - Travis Hunter expresses gratitude to fiancee Leanna Lenee amid tense backlash
Colorado Buffaloes' two-way star Travis Hunter has had a bittersweet week after winning the closest Heisman Trophy vote since 2009 against rival, Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty. The week after has been spent defending his fiancee, Leanna Lenee, from both fans and analyst's backlash over viral clips from the day of the Heisman ceremony.
In a clip posted on his YouTube channel on Thursday, the Heisman-winning star expressed his gratitude to the people around him but highlighted the impact of his fiancee on his accomplishments.
"The journey's been real real good, real tough," Travis Hunter said. "I just wanna thank God, my teammates and my coaches and my family. You know everybody around me in my circle. They helped me out a lot and especially my fiancee, you know standing down with me through all those tough times, I appreciate everybody in my corner." (0:24)
Popular analyst weighs in on the Travis Hunter - Lenee debacle
The Travis Hunter and Leanna Lenee issue has dominated the airwaves after his Heisman Trophy win, almost overshadowing his stunning week during which he has won several prestigious accolades.
On Thursday, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith was the latest well-known personality to wade into the controversy, breaking it down on his YouTube channel on Wednesday (0:10).
"For some reason, these two young people feel the need to hit the social media air waves to defend their relationship in front of the world," Smith said. "I really don't get this. Leanna went to TikTok to explain why she didn't stand as the Heisman Trophy winner. What are y'all doing? Leanna, what are you doing? Before I go any further on this subject, let me explain.
"She also went on to explain her actions following Colorado's last home name where fans wondered why she didn't seem to give him a hug. Then she explained to fans why she didn't respond to Travis when he first tried to holla via a DM."
Smith was stern in his assessment of how Hunter and Lenee were handling the fallout from the viral clips.
"As for Hunter, he also took to social media to defend his girlfriend, adding more fuel to the fire," Smith said. "He told fans she'd been crying herself to sleep because of comments made by internet users. What are y'all doing?"
After his Heisman Trophy win, Travis Hunter returned to training as the Colorado Buffaloes prepare to face the BYU Cougars in the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 28 although he has also been battling the trolls while defending Leanna Lenee from the fans and analyst backlash.