by Cedric ‘BIG CED’ Thornton
April 25, 2025
The former Colorado Buffaloes player was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the second pick
Former Colorado Buffaloes player Travis Hunter Jr. was the second player drafted in this year’s NFL Draft, and his father, Travis Sr., who has been sentenced to home confinement, was permitted by the courts to witness his namesake’s ascension into professional sports in person.
According to USA Today, both Hunters were present at the NFL Draft on April 24 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to share when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell called Travis Jr.’s name after the Jacksonville Jaguars selected him. It was an emotional moment for Travis Jr. as he mentioned that he wished his father were by his side when he won the coveted Heisman Trophy Award earlier this year.
Travis Sr. is currently serving three years of probation in Palm Beach County, Florida, after he was convicted of gun and drug charges last year. A Florida judge granted Travis Sr.’s request to travel to Wisconsin, also known as the “Badger State,” to be with his son for his historic moment.
After making the request, Judge Howard Coates gave him permission on March 19 to be with Travis Jr.
“Defendant will be allowed to accompany his son to the event and shall return to his pre-approved lodging upon the completion of the first-round selections after his son concludes his appearance at the ceremonial first night,” according to the judge’s order. “Defendant is permitted to travel departing West Palm Beach on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, and shall return to West Palm Beach on Friday, April 25, 2025. Other than attending the ceremony the evening of the 24th, Defendant shall otherwise abide by his approved schedule.”
When police officers arrested Travis Sr. in November 2023, he was charged with illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon after being previously convicted in 2018 for “sale or possession of heroin with intent to sell.” After reaching a plea deal, he agreed to plead guilty to drug possession and the gun charge. He spent 90 days in jail before being released Dec. 5.
His son has a very bright career ahead of him.
During his last collegiate season, Travis Jr. became the first player to win back-to-back Paul Hornung Awards. He took home the Heisman Trophy Award, college football’s top honor, three days later. According to The Athletic, he also became the first true two-way player to win the Heisman since Syracuse’s Ernie Davis in 1961. He became the first player in NCAA history to catch 92 receptions for 1,152 yards, 14 touchdowns, and grab four interceptions in a single season.
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