"This is a milestone moment": CFB world melts down to Travis Hunter Sr.'s heartwarming reaction to son's Heisman speech

Colorado Buffaloes star Travis Hunter made history on Saturday by winning the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 2024. However, the night wasn't just about the award, it was a deeply emotional moment for Hunter and his father, Travis Hunter Sr.

During his heartfelt acceptance speech, Hunter spoke about his dad, who was watching from home.

“Dad, I love you,” Hunter said, “All the stuff you went through—now look at your oldest son. I did it for you.”

Fighting back tears, Hunter recalled how his father missed a few of his high school games but never stopped supporting him.

“I know you wanted to be here, and you can’t, but trust me, I got you,” Hunter said. “I’m bringing the trophy home. I love you.”

Back at home, Hunter Sr.’s reaction was captured on video, surrounded by family and friends, he stood in a white T-shirt, visibly emotional, wiping away tears as he watched his son’s proudest moment unfold. The clip quickly went viral, touching fans across the college football world.

One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

“Proud of the young man Travis became. This is a milestone moment.”

“Salute Pop's, you raised the best college football player to ever play the game in my eyes,” one wrote.

“A reality few understand, but those who do feel the gravity of this video. I hope it's a new beginning for them,” another wrote.

“Just when I thought I was done crying over his beautiful acceptance speech here I go again!” one wrote.

“Not a Travis Hunter fan but this is a beautiful moment. It is evident that it means so much to them both,” a fan wrote.

“Man this shi* enough to make me cry,” another wrote.

Hunter’s historic season didn’t end with the Heisman. On Thursday, he was named the Associated Press (AP) Player of the Year, took home the Chuck Bednarik Award as the top defensive player, and also won the Fred Biletnikoff Award for the best receiver.

Why did Travis Hunter Sr. watch his son win the Heisman Trophy from home?

Travis Hunter Sr. chose to stay back at his mom’s house in Boynton Beach as his son, Travis Hunter, made history in New York. He wanted his mother, Shirley Hunter, to take his place at the ceremony.

Shirley Hunter holds a photo of her grandson Travis Hunter Jr. with his father Travis Hunter, Sr. - Source: Imagn

Shirley shared after returning from an emotional night in New York.

"He could have went," Shirley Hunter said [H/t The Palm Beach Post]. "He just wanted me to go in his place because I hadn't been (to New York) and he wanted me to go instead of himself."

Travis Sr. had made his decision clear days before the ceremony.

"I want to be there when he gets married and when he gets drafted. I'm going to watch this from home," he said.

His choice also came shortly after being released from the Palm Beach County West Detention Center, where he served a 90-day sentence following a 2023 arrest. Despite missing the spotlight in person, Hunter Sr. proudly celebrated his son’s incredible milestone from afar.