Colorado Buffaloes wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter has built many relationships over the course of his college career. Alongside his teammates and coaches, the budding star also has artists in his corner.
On Saturday, Dec. 14, the dual-threat became the Buffaloes’ second-ever athlete to win the Heisman Trophy, after Rashaan Salaam, who won the honor in 1994. Hunter’s entourage for the ceremony in New York consisted not only of his family but also the Grammy-winning rapper Lil Wayne.
Lil Wayne Praises Travis Hunter and His Mother’s Speech
After hoisting the 2024 Heisman Trophy, Hunter gave an emotional acceptance speech, where he took a moment to thank his family, coaches, and friends with a lighthearted shoutout to Lil Wayne in the audience.
Hunter also recalled a story about how he came across the rapper’s music:
“Wayne, you don’t know how you came into our life, man. My fiancée love you. I ain’t learned nothing. I didn’t know none of your songs until she let me know. Because I don’t listen to music. She told me, ‘You got to listen to this. If you don’t listen to music, listen to Wayne.’ And from that day on, that’s all I listened to.
“Pre-game music, that’s the songs I listened to. When I get in that TRX, and I blast that music, I’m listening to Wayne. It’s crazy. ‘Six Foot, Seven Foot, Eight Foot, Bunch!’ That’s my song. Don’t tell you, man. That’s what it’s crazy. I respect you for coming out here to support me, man.”
Hunter’s mother, Ferrante Harris, also reflected on the challenges Hunter has overcome during the presentation:
“I love the person that he is, but I’m also grateful because what they said was my biggest mistake (a young pregnancy) turned out to be my biggest blessing. So that just goes to show you, you can make mistakes but that does not define who you are.
“I’m so excited for him, but I’m also so excited for all the people that’s behind him, all the people who look up to him and see that you can do it. It doesn’t matter if you fall, get back up. So only fail when you stop, and he didn’t. Now look at him.”
Travis Hunter’s mother is a Heisman worthy mom!
She said “what was called her biggest mistake (a young pregnancy) ended up being her biggest blessing. That what seems like a mistake can become a triumph!”
What a strong role model and an example of someone that decided to be a… pic.twitter.com/vZeGhIVPVJ
— 🔥 CEO Branding Expert (@Ceo_Branding) December 15, 2024
After struggling during his high school years with his family living in a cramped single-room hotel, Hunter bought his mom a five-bedroom home in Savannah, Georgia, earlier this year.
The former No. 1 high school prospect had big dreams when he chose to follow Deion Sanders. In the end, it all came down to this moment when he became 2024’s top college football player.
Harris’ speech clearly struck a chord with him and all those listening, including Lil Wayne, who responded with a heartfelt tweet after the ceremony:
“Congratulations 2my brudda Travis m*** Hunter!!! Heisman Trophy winner! Great speech King & Moms speech was just as amazing! She need 2b on tv somewhere! Congrats 2 Ashton, Cam, Dillon & all of their families! Honored 2be amongst the greatness. Luv u Unk! Perfect timing! Go Buffs.”
Congratulations 2my brudda Travis mfkn Hunter!!! Heisman Trophy winner! Great speech King & Moms speech was just as amazing! She need 2b on tv somewhere! Congrats 2 Ashton, Cam, Dillon & all of their families! Honored 2be amongst the greatness. Luv u Unk! Perfect timing! Go Buffs
— Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) December 15, 2024
With just one more game left in his college career, Hunter will play in the Alamo Bowl on Dec. 28. After that, it’s on to the NFL Draft.