How often were you told to dream big? Most of us heard it a lot as kids. But to achieve that dream, you’ve got to give it your all. Florida-born Travis Hunter was ready to give his all when he dreamed of playing football in the NFL. The 21-year-old had it all mapped out. He started strong in high school football and made a huge splash in college. And now, he has achieved something that only a handful of people can. Hold your breath, people, because the Heisman Trophy 2024 winner is here! The 21-year-old Travis Hunter, who plays for the Colorado Buffaloes, has won the Heisman Trophy for 2024. Whoa! That is what you call a huge achievement.

The young WR is receiving a lot of praise from everyone. But the one that will make him prouder of himself is none other than the legend Michael Strahan. The former Giants legend never shies away from appreciating young talent. And Hunter, indeed, has achieved something big by winning the most prestigious college focotball award. Strahan knows it takes great coaches to make great players. So, he’s got some words of appreciation for the young guy’s coach, Deion Sanders, too. In an appreciation post for the new Heisman winner, Strahan subtly gives a shoutout to Coach Sanders, as he writes, “Salute you, my man @deionsanders.” The former DE is a man who believes in ‘giving credit where it’s due.’

“Congratulations @db3_tip on winning the 2024 #HeismanTrophy !! Keep being you and doing your thing! ” Strahan wrote in appreciation of Travis Hunter. Imagine Michael Strahan making a post for you. Crazy, right? Honestly, the 21-year-old deserves it all. This success might not have been possible without Coach Sanders. Starting his college football journey with the Jackson State Tigers, the wide receiver decided to follow his coach to Colorado when he made the move. In 2023, he joined the Colorado Buffaloes alongside his mentor, and in 2024, he brought home the highest honor.

Travis Hunter thanks Coach Deion Sanders for the win.

“I want to thank Coach Prime, Shedeur. Man, y’all changed my life forever”, Travis Hunter, said as he thanked his mentor in his speech. The Heisman winner also mentioned he’s trying to keep his emotions in check since his last game with the Buffaloes and Deion is coming up. We get it, it’s tough to leave the people who’ve always had your back and helped shape your career. But it’s not really goodbye. Sanders will always be his coach (and Hunter can reach out to him for anything whenever he feels like it).

The 21-year-old was also missing his father while he was out there getting his award. For some reason, Travis Hunter’s dad couldn’t make it to the ceremony to watch his son receive the award live. But how could he have missed that precious moment? Hunter Sr. was glued to the TV the whole time, watching his kid get the honor. “Dad, I love you. ll the stuff you went through, man…. look at your oldest son.I did it for you, man”, said Travis while trying to hold his tears back. Uh-oh! Looks like we’re going to need some tissues here.

This is so heartwarming and emotional on another level. Anyway, the NFL’s waiting for Travis Hunter. It’ll be interesting to see which team picks him up, but there’s no doubt he’s going in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft.