“What’s with the shirt”: CFB fans react as old image of Travis Hunter with dad goes viral following Heisman ceremony shoutout
Travis Hunter officially won the Heisman Trophy on Saturday. The voting ended up being the closest between the winner and runner-up since 2009, with Hunter edging out Ashton Jeanty by a 214-point margin.
Hunter's father was a big absentee from the ceremony at Lincoln Center on Saturday, and he ended up watching the ceremony from home. Hunter Sr., recently released from prison after a 90-day sentence for a 2023 arrest, told the Palm Beach Post on Dec. 5 that he had no intention of attending the event. That didn't stop Hunter from thanking him when he received the award.
On Saturday, Bleacher Report posted a picture of Hunter Sr. and Jr. from the latter's Jackson State days, along with Hunter Jr.'s message to his dad:
"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."
Many fans online noticed Hunter Sr.'s attire:
"What's with the shirt he's wearing get money and an AR-15.. what's up with that.."
"Pops dressed like a YN"
"Dad need to grow up 😂 look at his shirt"
"His Dad shirt lmaooo!!"
In the photo, Hunter Sr. wore a T-shirt with the phrase, "Get Money," accompanied by a picture of an AK-47 (not an AR-15) and the face of a man wearing a balaclava.
Other fans defended Travis Hunter and understood his need to try and connect with his father:
"So much hate and negativity. Regardless of your affiliation, this kid has been amazing."
"👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 yes... the media showing a young black athlete love for his Father 🙌🙌🙌🙌 Thank you"
Others criticized Hunter Sr. for not attending the ceremony:
"dad decided to skip the heisman ceremony and was sitting at home chillin. true story. big L for his pops idc what anybody says"
Why wasn't Travis Hunter's father at the Heisman ceremony?
Travis Hunter Sr. wasn't at the ceremony in New York City on Saturday, telling the Palm Beach Post:
"I want to be there when he gets married and when he gets drafted. I'm going to watch this from home."
After Hunter Jr. won the trophy, Hunter Sr. said he felt no different about his decision, as he always knew his son could win the award. Interestingly, Travis Hunter said his father wanted to attend the ceremony but couldn't.