You have most likely read the name Travis Hunter a thousand times if you are keen on college football this current season. Here’s a guy in Boulder, making waves for the Colorado Buffaloes and performing incredibly well as both a wide receiver and a cornerback—yes, the two-in-one deal.

Hunter, a 6’1″ wide receiver, has been on fire this season with 561 yards and 6 touchdowns. But where does his incredibly talented gene come from? Want to know the proud father who kickstarted this journey? Well, here’s everything you need to know about Travis Hunter’s dad.

Travis Hunter Sr: A Father’s Journey

His dad, Travis Hunter Sr. is not new to football at all. His athletic journey started long before his son began to embarrass opposing defenses for the Colorado Buffaloes. Hunter Sr. played football back in the early 2000s at Boynton Beach High School and he was not just good – he was fast. Also during his freshman year, he ran the 100-meter in 10.82 seconds, demonstrating the same kind of speed on a football field. Oh yes, and he was part of a 4×100-meter relay team that set a school record that still stands today despite an effort from future NFL star, Lamar Jackson.

Whether it was taking an 82-yard kick return to the house or catching a 46-yard interception and taking it to the house, he had that same playmaker gene as his son. It was not only about numbers — he contributed even passion and desire, which avenged a 14-game losing streak for a team in 2005. He had a semi-professional career as a football player immediately after high school playing in the Florida Football Alliance and the Southern States League being awarded Rookie of the Year in 2007.

Travis Hunter Sr. however was a man of talents, but life had other plans for him. Giving up the opportunity to play college football was one of his biggest regrets after he became a father and decided not to go to Kansas.“I just want to play ball. I was supposed to go to Dodge, Kansas, but I had two kids, so I couldn’t leave them,” Hunter Sr. told Tallahassee Democrat in a statement.

From father to son: a proud legacy

Although his playing days never rose to where he had dreamed, Hunter Sr. saw to it that his son never lacked chances. He inspired young Travis to become the best that he could be, however, he never stopped preaching his love for football. The result? Hunter Jr. gained respect as he was one of the highest-rated prospects, left Jackson State for Colorado, and joined Deion Sanders yet another NFL legend.

Hunter Jr. once said, “My dad taught me to always keep fighting. No matter the situation, stay hungry.” And stay hungry he has, transforming himself into one of the most exciting players in college football today.

Well then, who is Travis Hunter’s father? It is a man who has sacrificed his ambitions for his son to follow his ambitions as a man. Midst the beautiful game, success at a young age is not only talent as the case is with Travis Hunter Jr. but also commitment and being an heir to the family’s sporting benches. Hunter Sr. may never have played football in the NFL himself, but he did pass down the love for football to his son. And come on, man, let’s face it, Hunter Jr. is giving his dad a run for his money every time he sets foot on the field.

The baton has been passed and Travis Hunter Jr. is picking it up. Every time he makes a throw, one feels his father’s sprinkling of speed, competitiveness, and passion for football.