Travis Hunter Jr. has carved out a name for himself as a football prodigy. So rare and electrifying that he was picked No. 2 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.
But behind the headlines and highlight reels is a much deeper story. One involving how he made a name for himself and the man who stood by him: his father.
Travis Hunter Sr. attended the NFL Draft after being granted permission by a Florida court. But why is he behind bars in the first place? Before delving into this, let’s see how Travis Hunter Jr. managed to build a legacy for himself.
How Did Travis Hunter Jr. Make His Own Name?
Travis Hunter Jr. began setting a record at an early age, playing cornerback and wide receiver at Collins Hill High School, Georgia. He set Gwinnett County single-season records in:
- Receptions (137 catches)
- Receiving touchdowns (24)
- Receiving yards (1,746)
We all know how injuries hamper players from delivering an A-game. But Hunter Jr. is exceptional. Despite missing out on 5 games due to an ankle injury, he accomplished:
- 23 tackles
- 76 receptions for 1,128 yards and 10 touchdowns on offense
- 4 interceptions
- Forced fumble on defense
Hunter Jr. carried on his spectacular record beyond high school. In his freshman year, he made a significant impact on both sides of the ball.
Just when we thought he’d settled at Jackson State, the versatile athlete followed Deion Sanders to Colorado. He instantly claimed his top-tier status with an interception and 11 receptions in a breakout game against TCU.
With his remarkable legacy, Travis Hunter took home multiple accolades in 2024. First, he won the Heisman trophy. Then, he set the first record for a college athlete to win both the Chuck Bednarik and Fred Biletnikoff awards.
In the 2025 NFL draft, Travis Hunter Jr. got the rare number 2 overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Travis Hunter’s Father’s Support For Him
Talking of support is an understatement when it comes to Travis Hunter Jr’s dad, Travis Hunter Sr. The supportive dad didn’t let his personal and legal challenges get in the way of helping his son.
Come to think of it. Travis Hunter Sr. was only able to visit his son’s draft ceremony through special permission from a Florida court.
This let him witness his son’s progress after missing out on the Heisman Trophy ceremony in December 2024 due to his sentence restrictions. However, his permission to attend the 2025 NFL Draft was restricted to his hotel accommodations and Lambeau Field, where the draft was held.
That aside, Travis Hunter Sr. couldn’t hide the excitement when getting dressed for the event. His son? Equally grateful to his dad for showing support.
“From not seeing probably two games in high school to seeing me on TV every weekend and coming to see me. That means so much to me. I know you wanted to be here, and you can’t, but trust me, I’ve got you. I’m bringing the trophy home. I love you,” said Travis Hunter Jr.
Why Was Travis Hunter Sr. Sent to Jail?
Travis Hunter Sr. had a successful life before his jail time. He left a legacy of a 10.82-second 100-metre sprint as a freshman and a 4×100 metre relay in Boynton Beach High School, Florida.
After high school, he earned the Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2007. At that time, he played Semipro football in the Florida Football Alliance and the Southern States Football League.
Although his career was at its peak, Travis Hunter Sr. turned away from his own football dreams to be with his family. As you can imagine, life was moving smoothly, with him seeing his young star, Hunter Jr., rise in his football career.
But the good fortune didn’t keep the semi-pro league star from trouble. In November 2023, Travis Hunter Sr. was pulled over during a traffic stop. And that’s how he found himself behind bars.
The arresting officers nailed him on drug and gun possession charges.
Eager to get out and return to his family, Travis Hunter Sr. maintained good behavior. As a result, he was able to get out early. So he only served a 90-day sentence from September to December 2023.
But he still had to serve a probation due to the weight of his charges. This kept him from being with Travis Hunter Jr. during the Heisman Trophy ceremony.
Travis Hunter Jr.’s journey to NFL stardom is nothing short of legendary. A story of grit, talent, and relentless dedication.
Yet behind his triumphs lies the emotional weight of his father’s incarceration. Travis Hunter Sr.’s unwavering support, even while facing legal battles, adds a deeply human layer to this sports legacy.
Also Read: All 14 NIL Deals Signed By Shedeur Sanders During His Elaborate College Career