Whether it’s ending a 30-year Heisman drought at Colorado, a feat only shared with Rashaan Salaam, or establishing himself as a rare two-way talent, Travis Hunter consistently breaks the mold. He’s never followed a conventional script. Now, with his eyes locked on the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft, Hunter is once again aiming for the impossible: carving out a legacy that even his legendary coach, Deion Sanders himself, respects. The once-in-a-lifetime player received multiple awards in Louisville on March 5th evening. And he isn’t walking this path alone.

Through every high and low, every injury scare and jaw-dropping highlight, one person has been there every step of the way: his mother. A single mom of four, Ferrante Edmonds, has been the quiet force behind Hunter’s meteoric rise. She made the life-altering decision to move her family from Florida to Georgia in pursuit of a better future, providing the foundation for her son’s dreams to take flight. And when he stood on stage in New York City last December, accepting the Heisman Trophy, she was there once again—beaming with pride, she delivered a powerful message. “You can make mistakes, but that doesn’t define who you are. It only matters if you stop. Look at him now.” The words were raw, real, and deeply personal, a reminder of Hunter’s journey to greatness.

That belief was on full display once again as Travis Hunter added yet another accolade to his growing résumé during an eventful evening in Louisville. Standing alongside some of the biggest names in sports, Hunter became the first-ever recipient of the Muhammad Ali Center’s Emerging G.O.A.T. Award—an honor that not only recognized his talent on the field but also his impact beyond it. Later that night, he claimed his second consecutive Paul Hornung Award as CFB’s most versatile player, solidifying his place as one of the most electrifying talents in the game.

His mother was right there celebrating with him, sharing the moment on Instagram with a heartfelt caption: “We had an amazing time at the @hornungaward. Thank you for having us.” And as if the night couldn’t get any more special, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg presented Hunter with a commemorative plaque. “Congratulations,” Greenberg told him. “You can put that right next to the Heisman.” Hunter’s night in Louisville wasn’t just about trophies and speeches—it was also about connections, legacies, and the unshakable power of inspiration. His mother, already a fixture in his story, found herself reunited with another woman who knows what it’s like to watch a larger-than-life athlete shape history: Lonnie Ali, the wife of the late, great Muhammad Ali.  

The two share a special bond, one rooted in faith, perseverance, and a deep understanding of what it means to support a son, husband, or loved one in their quest for greatness. Edmonds later posted a photo of their meeting, writing, “Had an amazing time with Muhammad Ali’s wife, Lonnie Ali. #muhammadcenter.” Knowing the road ahead will only get tougher, the conversation between these two women, standing in the shadow of giants, will only deepen.

But for Hunter, tougher is exactly what he thrives on. The packed room at the Galt House Monday evening was filled with people eager to see the college superstar, whose spotlight will only grow brighter as he aims to play both WR and CB as a top draft prospect. “It’s crazy, but I like it,” Hunter said. “I don’t fold under pressure, so I’m enjoying my spotlight right now.” His career isn’t just about collecting awards or breaking records; it’s about proving that two-way dominance isn’t just a college gimmick but a real, sustainable path at the next level. That’s why his next challenge isn’t just to be the No. 1 pick—it’s to surpass even…

Travis Hunter wants to be more than just ‘Emerging GOAT’

Winning the Emerging GOAT Award was just the beginning for Travis Hunter. His ambitions? They go way beyond normal achievements. The Colorado star has set his sights on an even bigger challenge—outdoing his Buffs HC Deion Sanders himself.

At the NFL Combine, Hunter didn’t mince words when asked about his long-term goals. “First, I need three Super Bowl rings, and I also have to play good enough to get a gold jacket,” he told CBS Sports. With already the Heisman Trophy under his belt, he’s one up. But “He [Deion] won the Jim Thorpe, and I don’t have that. So I have to get a Gold Jacket too,” he noted.

But comparing yourself to Prime is no small task. The Hall of Famer’s résumé is stacked: two Super Bowls, NFL Defensive Player of the Year, six-time First-Team All-Pro, and a spot on the NFL’s 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. That’s an all-time legacy, one few dare to chase. But Hunter isn’t shying away from the challenge. Both Hunter and Sanders are known to tear up the rulebook. Like, Prime himself was not just a two-way star but was also juggling NFL and MLB, straight up. Now, if Hunter’s serious about outdoing his coach, he’s gotta go beyond the usual.