The 2024 Heisman Trophy ceremony isn’t without controversy. As Colorado ATH Travis Hunter’s name was called for the coveted award, everyone expected his closest people to be over the top for his achievement. And yes, HC Deion Sanders shot straight up from his seat, his face beaming with pride and joy. But his fiancée Leanna’s actions fueled angry rants from his fans, who found the audacity to judge his relationship. But among Hunter’s strong supporters is a fellow former Heisman Trophy winner who pleaded for their cause. 

Leanna Lenee found herself in the center of criticism when she didn’t give her beau a standing ovation when he was called for the coveted award. This led to trolls that even suggested Travis Hunter to “get rid of her.” So when Robert Griffin III was asked what advice he had for the two-way star on Up and Adams Show on December 17, he didn’t miss a beat. He delivered his opinion, saying, “What you need to know is that Travis Hunter loves his fiancee. And, well, I hear a lot of people saying ‘guys gotta make their own mistakes and they gotta go this, they gotta do that.’ Well, I just think the assumption saying that his relationship is a mistake is already bad in the first place.”

When Travis Hunter went up to receive his award, Leanna only stood up when Deion Sanders prompted her to do so. This action of hers sparked controversy among Hunter’s fans, with many giving out their judgemental opinions. Leanna not standing up for Travis Hunter when others are doing the same would appear on the surface as a sign of disrespect and lack of interest in his achievement. But watching the clip, did we ever consider that she might be lost in this magical moment before Deion Sanders brought her back to earth?

The 2011 Heisman Trophy winner added, “We shouldn’t be diving into the personal lives of these players when they have a loving fiancée, or wife or girlfriend, whatever it may be.” The love story of Travis Hunter and Leanna dates back to 2022, leading to their engagement this past February. RGIII also gave his and his wife’s best regards to the young couple, saying, “Continue to live your life and enjoy each other. Because as long as they’re enjoying the moment and enjoying each other, it doesn’t matter what anybody on the outside says.” But there’s another questionable incident. 

The tension between Leanna and Travis Hunter 

Leanna probably didn’t expect that she would grab the spotlight at the Heisman Trophy ceremony for all the wrong reasons. Another incident that sparked anger in Travis Hunter’s fans was when he was taking photos with his fans. Leanna, who was seated on a sofa right in front, didn’t look too pleased. And her words led to more tension as she said, “Am I supposed to sit here all day?” But let’s not leave things at that. 

It was Leanna who is Travis Hunter’s biggest cheerleader in his Heisman race. She had been there with him through the thick and thin of his career. So there’s no place for outsiders to come and ruin this beautiful relationship that is an inspiration to many. Relationships are meant to have rough days alongside good days. And for power couples like them, their actions are always up for the public to judge. But as Leanna said, “5 seconds isn’t enough to understand a situation.” 

So whatever speculated intentions that the internet is firing upon Leanna could be just a phase. They’re getting married next year. They’re set to build a happily ever after together, and we’re happy for them!