When Travis Hunter bagged yet another accolade in January, it further cemented his place in the annals of college football greatness. Colorado’s two-way star, who had an astounding season, won the Sports Illustrated Breakout Star of the Year award in a glittering ceremony. But perhaps his most cherished moment of the night came when Muhammad Ali’s wife, Lonnie approached him with a humble request. “I need to come out and watch you guys play,” she told Hunter. The young star assured her that he will “be in the NFL soon.” Well, little did he know, that his connection to Ali’s legacy was only just beginning. In the weeks that followed, Hunter’s name would be etched alongside the boxing icon, and this time he received another honor at the hands of Lonnie Ali.

In January, it was announced that Hunter would be the first-ever recipient of the Muhammad Ali Center’s Emerging G.O.A.T. Award. After two months of waiting, he finally had his hands on the prize, receiving the honor in a ceremony in Louisville, Kentucky on March 3. Muhammad Ali Center President and CEO DeVone Holt said the award focuses on athletic and humanitarian excellence. What is a bigger deal though is that Hunter inspired the new award, according to the officials.

You know, greatness recognizes greatness and CU Buffs Football shared the news with a powerful message after Hunter’s big night: “Muhammad Ali’s legacy lives on. 🏆.” Hunter isn’t just an elite athlete — he carries Ali’s torch, embodying excellence both on and off the field. Meanwhile, Lonnie Ali gave Hunter a pair of boxing gloves from her own inventory, signed by her late husband himself. Understandably, Hunter was overwhelmed and shared how Muhammad Ali had inspired him.

“His name was Cassius Clay first so the first thing I did was get a jacket that said that,” he said. “He was the same person but he upgraded his mindset and he changed to a better person.” These aren’t just words, Hunter has implemented Ali’s teaching in his life.

DeVone Holt reflected on Muhammad Ali’s fight against George Foreman, highlighting the moment when Ali displayed compassion by refraining from throwing additional punches as Foreman collapsed to the canvas. He brought up a recent incident involving Hunter in comparison.

Playing against Colorado State in a rivalry game in 2023, Hunter took a brutal hit from Henry Blackburn, landing him in the hospital. But when he recovered, there was no bad blood; instead, they were seen bowling together — a moment of forgiveness, respect, and sportsmanship. “We’re trying to uplift people, not bring them down, and also it was just a good reason to meet a new friend. It’s football at the end of the day,” Hunter had said, echoing the values of Ali. Not only this, just like Ali, Travis Hunter is carving out a legendary path.

Having previously played for Jackson State in Mississippi, Hunter is the first Heisman Trophy winner to play for a historically Black college or university. And he’s not just playing football — he’s revolutionizing it.

In 2024, he put up jaw-dropping numbers: 92 receptions as a WR, and 15 passes defensed on defense. While his two-way dominance made history, earning him the Heisman Trophy, he became just the 2nd player ever to win both the Chuck Bednarik Award (top defender) and the Fred Biletnikoff Award (top receiver).

Louisville Sports Commission CEO Greg Fante echoed the praise, calling Hunter a rare talent. “I can tell you he’s a special young man. He’s the first young man to receive our Hornung Award twice. He’s going to do special things and he’s bigger off the field than he is on the field.”

Meanwhile, Hunter wasn’t the only one catching up with Lonnie Ali.

Ferrante Edmonds, Hunter’s mother also had a special moment with Lonnie Ali. She uploaded a picture on Instagram with Lonnie Ali from when the pair met at the center and captioned it: “Had an amazing time with Muhammad Ali wife Lonnie Ali #muhammadcenter.” When Hunter met with Lonnie in January, he promised her that she would get to see him in the NFL saying, “We’ll make sure you definitely get there.”

But which city Lonnie will be visiting to see Hunter in the NFL? There is an interesting projection that could see him end up in the same city as his Colorado teammate, Shedeur Sanders.

Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders may end up in the same city

It’s not just Travis — Shedeur Sanders is built differently too. A true game-changer at quarterback, he brings elite poise, pinpoint accuracy, and ice-cold clutch ability. In 2024, he put up jaw-dropping numbers: 74% completion rate, 4,500 yards, and 38 touchdowns. Pure efficiency. Pure dominance. His unique skill set makes him a franchise QB in the making. For an NFL coach, landing Shedeur isn’t just a good move — it’s a paradigm-shifting decision.

Both Hunter and Shedeur have thrived under pressure, proving they belong on the biggest stage. And now, the NFL is calling. In Touchdown Wire’s latest 2025 mock draft, Hunter is projected to go No. 3 overall to the New York Giants, while Sanders lands at No. 7 overall with the New York Jets. Safe to say, two stars, two top-10 picks, but one city. So, a lot has to fall into place, but if this happens, New York football is about to get electrifying.

Here, while Travis Hunter is a plug-and-play superstar, Shedeur Sanders is a different kind of asset. He’s a franchise QB, but only for teams in need of one. Right now, with Aaron Rodgers out of the picture, the Jets will be eyeing their next leader. If Sanders is still on the board at No. 7, don’t be surprised if the Jets make their move. But hold on; while Cam Ward is off the board, Shedeur isn’t the answer. But Travis Hunter? He’s a dynamic force on both sides of the ball. Hunter would bring instant impact to the Giants. And while the team reportedly views him as a CB, his electric playmaking could still earn him snaps at WR.

As of now, according to Giants Wire’s Dan Benton, Hunter would step in as the Giants’ CB1 from Day 1, pushing Deonte Banks to CB2 and delivering a massive upgrade to a secondary that struggled in 2024. The gridiron battle in New York between two former teammates could be enticing and a must-watch for all the football fans out there!