"I hope you don't cry but I'mma cry for you": 2024 Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter thanks his high school coach during emotional speech 

By Insiya Johar

Modified Dec 16, 2024 22:31 GMT

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Colorado Buffaloes star Travis Hunter won the 2024 Heisman Trophy on Saturday at the Jazz at the Lincoln Centre's Appel Room in New York. He grabbed the first spot with 552 votes and 2,231 points. With this remarkable feat, he became the second two-way player to the Heisman Trophy after Pro Football Hall of Famer Charles Woodson in 1997. He was among the top four finalists revealed last week, including Ashton Jeanty, Cam Ward, and Dillion Gabriel.

In his winning speech, Hunter thanked his family, fellow athletes and Coach Prime, Deion Sanders. The two-way star also thanked his high school coach, Frontia Fountain, for supporting his football journey at his alma mater, Collins Hill.

"I want to say you know all the coaches that helped me when my mom took me and my brother to move away from Florida to Georgia," Travis Hunter said. "I thank y'all so much, coach Fountain, I appreciate you took me (to) every practice you took me to go get my first pair of cleats in high school. You took me to every training session that I had two times a day every day of the week."

"In the offseason, you made sure you made sure I had the good grades to get through high school. I thank you so much. I know you're back home at Colins Hill watching this right now. I hope you don't cry, but I'm going cry for you."

Charles Woodson praised the young Colorado athlete in an appearance at Fox NFL Kickoff.

"It brought me great joy to see you up there on that stage last night because you are what the Heisman Trophy is all about. It's not about the best running back. It's not about the best receiver. It's not about the best quarterback. It is about the best player, and you were that," he said.

"And guess what, man? Those Heisman commercials with me and you on defense against all of those offensive players, we're going to have some fun. The Heisman House is going to be lit. Congratulations to you.

Travis Hunter, two-way player and Adidas partnership

But wait, what is a two-way player? In sports, playing both offense and defense is highly praised. Athletes who excel in both areas are referred to as two-way players. It is especially rare when it comes to football. Stars such as Devin Hester, Deion Sanders and Julian Edelman are the only few to prove their mettle. The latest addition is Travis Hunter, who played wide receiver and cornerback.

The Heisman trophy, named after celebrated player and coach John Heisman, is awarded to the most outstanding football player in the United States. A poll of sportswriters determines the winners. In addition to that, on Thursday, he clinched multiple awards. Travis Hunter won the Walter Camp Award, the Biletnikoff Award for the best receiver and the Bednarik Award for the best defensive Player. He was also named the AP College Football Player of the Year.

Moreover, Nick DePaula from the Boardroom stated that Travis Hunter has partnered up with athletic brand Adidas. As per On3, Hunter boasts a NIL valuation of a whopping $5.2 million and ranks second in the NIL 100 club, fitting for a Heisman Trophy awardee.