"Travis Hunter legend in the making": CFB world shows love to Colorado star for his special shoutout to Deion Sanders

Travis Hunter's decision to play under the guidance of Deion Sanders proved to be a step in the right direction. He joined Jackson State as a former five-star recruit out of high school. And in his third collegiate campaign with the Buffs, Hunter has won the 2024 Heisman trophy solidifying himself as one of the best college football players.

After taking home the trophy during the Heisman Ceremony on Saturday, Travis Hunter made an appearance on SportsCenter. While talking about his achievement, the Colorado star expressed his gratitude to Deion Sanders and credited him for the success that he is enjoying.

"He (Deion Sanders) is more than a coach to me, he's another father for me," Hunter said. "And I really mean that. I love him as much as he loves me, probably even more...He don't know what he did for me, but it changed by life forever."

Fans took to social media to show Travis Hunter love after his heartwarming message of gratitude for Coach Prime. One fan said Hunter will be a football legend in the future.

"Travis Hunter legend in the making."

Another fan commented that the two-way star gave a beautiful tribute showcasing the impact of Coach Prime in his collegiate career.

"What a beautiful tribute to Deion Sanders. It's clear that his impact goes beyond coaching. Congratulations on winning the Heisman, Travis Hunter!"

This fan stated that Deion Sanders is like a father figure to a lot of people and players.

"He's a father figure for many."

Another fan was confused as to why Coach Prime has so many haters after all his work.

"How can people hate Deion"

One fan stated that seeing Coach Prime have a positive impact on and off the field is commendable.

"Great to see the impact coaches can have on their players both on and off the field"

This fan shared a light joke about Deion Sanders being a father figure.

"A father figure? Guess Deion's got a whole team of sons now."

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CFB analyst calls out the unnecessary Travis Hunter hate for winning the Heisman

The Colorado star had a great campaign in the Big 12 this season. Hunter put up a total of 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns receiving on offense. He also tallied a total of four interceptions and 11 pass breakups on defense, earning him the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year Honor as well.

Despite the achievements, fans continue to debate whether Hunter was worthy of winning the award. CFB analyst Josh Pate commented on this discourse and call out the unnecessary hate for Travis Hunter.

"I'm hearing a lot of, 'Oh man, he only got it because of the Deion effect.' False. Can I offer an alternative point of view? You're only worked up because of the Deion effect.

"If Hunter stayed committed to FSU and done this for Mike Norvell's Seminoles this year- if he had played both ways and excelled at a high level on both sides, I don't think we'd see a fraction of the pushback we're seeing now. The difference is that he did it for Deion at Colorado."

Travis Hunter becomes the second Colorado player after Rashaan Salaam in 1994 to win the Heisman Award. He will likely be gearing up one final time for the Buffs during their Alamo Bowl showdown against the BYU Cougars.