Travis Hunter’s 2024 campaign saw him win the Heisman Trophy, with his dual-threat abilities on the gridiron being celebrated in New York on Dec. 14. However, the days that were supposed to be filled with immense elation became mired in hate. Since the ceremony, both Hunter and his loved ones, including his fiancée Leanna Lenee, have faced intense criticism from some fans.
Fans Step in To Defend Travis Hunter Against Hate
During the Heisman event, a moment captured on camera led some fans to find fault in Hunter’s fiancée when Colorado head coach Deion Sanders asked her to stand as Hunter’s name was called. Lenee later explained that she chose not to initially stand because she “wanted the moment to be about him and his family.” Even with her intentions, the instance led to some questioning the authenticity of the couple’s relationship.
Hunter talked about the negative attention last week, saying: “They want me to be unhappy. They don’t want me to be in a relationship. … The comments and the people, you know, the hating, the hate that I’m getting. It’s draining. It’s draining for sure. … Every time I get on my phone, there’s something new that they are lying about. We are just a topic right now. It’s draining.”
Travis Hunter says the hate he has been receiving the past week has been draining pic.twitter.com/eqqg0hrkwl
— FearBuck (@FearedBuck) December 21, 2024
After Hunter deactivated his Instagram on Dec. 22 to distance himself from the ire, many fans are now defending the Buffs star.
“Folks are overdoing the Travis Hunter relationship discourse. Chatty patty 50 year old men. 🤦🏽♂️,” a fan said.
“The obsession surrounding Travis Hunter’s relationship is bizarre. People just want a reason to hate. Let them be happy!” a fan wrote.
Some viral videos regarding Lenee’s past relationships were circulating online. In light of this, some fans called out the users’ invasive behavior.
“I hate that the internet is ruining Travis Hunter relationship,” a fan commented.
“Y’all are haters fr that Travis Hunter s*** is so lame. digging for stuff his fiancé did when she was single is so disgusting,” a fan chimed in.
Other fans were not sure why there was so much hate directed at Hunter.
“That Travis Hunter hate is forced as hell,” a fan commented.
“Why does everyone hate Travis Hunter, I’m so confused,” a fan said.
Lenee and Hunter met in high school, and the Colorado star popped the question during the offseason this year, and she said yes. Amid this storm, Hunter’s draft stock has also been a topic of conversation. According to PFN’s latest mock, the two-way star is projected to be a Day 1 pick, with the New England Patriots selecting him at No. 3 overall.