$45 million worth Deion Sanders fuels Colorado practice with special shoutout for Heisman winner Travis Hunter

Travis Hunter wasted no time returning to the field with his Colorado Buffaloes teammates after a monumental weekend in New York City, where he claimed the 2024 Heisman Trophy.

The star wide receiver and defensive back joined practice on Monday as the team prepares for their Dec. 28 showdown against BYU in the Alamo Bowl.

Hunter, who has already collected accolades such as the AP Player of the Year, Walter Camp Player of the Year, Chuck Bednarik Award, Biletnikoff Award, Lott IMPACT Trophy and Paul Hornung Award, remains the heart of Colorado’s resurgence.

Colorado’s coach Deion Sanders, valued at $45 million by celebritynetworth.com, gave a rousing shoutout to the Heisman winner during practice. Addressing his team, Sanders used Hunter’s triumph as a motivational moment.

“Some of you guys that are connected around that circle have pro ambitions and dreams and aspirations. We just had one of our own awarded the most prestigious award that could be awarded for college football,” Sanders declared.

He continued to encourage his players by highlighting the collective effort behind Hunter’s success, emphasizing that the same possibilities await others on the team.

“He thanked you all, he gave you the appreciation and respect that you all deserve, but it could not have happened without you all. But guess what, if it happened to him, why can’t it happen for you ... CB called me in the night and said that I am next,” Sanders shared.

Coach Sanders prepares Colorado for Alamo Bowl clash

The Colorado Buffaloes, who narrowly missed a berth in the Big 12 championship game, are set to face BYU in the Alamo Bowl. This will mark the final game of their season, as well as the last collegiate game for both Travis Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Both of them have announced their intentions to enter the 2025 NFL Draft.

Colorado heads into the bowl game with a 9-3 record (7-2 in Big 12 play), while their opponents, the 17th-ranked BYU Cougars, also bring a strong resume.

The Alamo Bowl matchup represents the last chapter for these teams under the current conference alignment before realignment shakes up the landscape next season.

While it’s common for NFL draft prospects to skip postseason bowl games, that’s not the case with the Buffaloes. Travis Hunter, Shedeur Sanders and Shilo Sanders have all committed to playing the upcoming high-stakes Bowl game.

In his first press conference since Hunter’s historic Heisman win, Coach Sanders reflected on the significance of their accomplishments.

“This is bigger than just Colorado, it’s about changing the narrative and inspiring the next generation,” he remarked.

Sanders also turned his focus toward the Alamo Bowl matchup, acknowledging the challenges posed by BYU.

“BYU is well-coached and hungry. We’re going to need to play our best football,” he stated.

Sanders particularly highlighted BYU’s opportunistic defense, which leads the nation with 20 interceptions, and emphasized the importance of staying sharp and disciplined.