Travis Hunter Jr did not need to “chase money“ – it chased him. He didn’t forfeit money to “chase connection”, but “chasing connection” was what made him the greatest player he was capable of being. And that’s the bigger deal. Always.
By turning his potential into growth, he became one of the most spectacular players in college football history.
Travis Hunter, the Colorado Buffaloes star, with several lucrative NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, is one of the highest-earning college athletes of all time. So far.
(Apologies to Reggie Bush.)
Hunter’s overall NIL value is projected at $5.2 million, according to On3. This places him as the No. 2 NIL earner in college sports, just behind his teammate Shedeur Sanders, whose NIL earnings are projected to be $6.2 million.
Hunter signed a deal with NerdWallet, becoming the first college football player to partner with the personal finance platform. As part of this “Smartest NIL Deal Ever,” Hunter committed to putting 20% of his earnings into a savings account.
Just before the 2024 Heisman Trophy ceremony, Hunter announced a partnership with Adidas. This deal is particularly notable as Hunter plays for a Nike-sponsored school.
Hunter has secured NIL deals with several other companies, including:
• United Airlines
• Celsius
• Rock ’Em Socks
• EA Sports
• J5 Caffe (a Black-owned coffee shop)
• Michael Strahan’s skin care line
• JLab
• Leaf Trading Cards
At Collins Hill High School in Suwanee, Georgia, Hunter established himself as a dominant force:
• Ranked as the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2022 class
• Set Georgia state records with 48 career receiving touchdowns
• Recorded 19 interceptions over his high school career
• As a junior, had 1,746 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns, along with 8 interceptions
• Led Collins Hill to a 15-0 record and the school’s first state championship in his senior year
Colorado (2023-2024)
2023:
• 57 receptions, 721 yards, 5 touchdowns
• 30 tackles, 3 interceptions, 5 pass breakups
2024 (Heisman Trophy-winning year):
• 92 receptions, 1,152 yards, 14 touchdowns
• 4 interceptions, 11 pass breakups
• Led the nation in coverage grade according to Pro Football Focus
• Played an astounding 1,443 snaps (120.3 per game)
• Named AP College Football Player of the Year
• Won both (never before accomplished) the Chuck Bednarik Award (best defensive player) and Fred Biletnikoff Award (best receiver)
• First FBS player in over 25 years to record 3 touchdowns and an interception in the same game
• Only player in history with 150 receiving yards and 4 pass breakups in one game
• Recorded 50 receiving yards, a rushing touchdown, and an interception in a single game, a feat only achieved once before by NFL legend Champ Bailey
Hunter’s versatility and dominance on both sides of the ball have made him one of the most unique and impactful players in college football history.
Robert Griffin III
Travis Hunter Jr. trusted Deion Sanders and followed him to the HBCU Jackson State. Deion believed he could play both sides of the ball at the collegiate level and that he could get the best out of him.
Travis then followed Deion and his QB Shedeur Sanders to Colorado.
Those 2 decisions changed his life forever.
Travis Hunter didn’t chase money. He chased connection. He connected with Coach Prime’s leadership and coaching style. He connected with Shedeur’s leadership and playing style.
When most didn’t believe, they did.
They were all committed to the journey and it ended with a Heisman Trophy.
What a story.
