Deion Sanders gives Travis Hunter a pep talk before the Alamo Bowl

Deion Sanders gives Travis Hunter a pep talk before the Alamo Bowl

Deion Sanders has always understood the importance of developing his players beyond the football field, and his recent endorsement of Travis Hunter underscores that commitment. During practice before Colorado’s bowl game, Sanders made a point of giving Hunter words of encouragement and making sure the star cornerback and wide receiver knew his team had his back. “We love you,” Sanders told Hunter, strengthening the familial bond that has become a hallmark of Sanders’ coaching philosophy. “You are HIM.”

Hunter, often considered Colorado’s most electrifying player, has been in the spotlight lately for reasons that have nothing to do with his athletic ability. He and his fiancée, Leanna Lenee, were at the center of a media storm that began before the Heisman ceremony in New York and has escalated since. The intense scrutiny led to both Hunter and Lenee deactivating their social media accounts and attempting to find peace amid the controversy.

Despite the noise, Sanders remained a steadfast supporter of Hunter, emphasizing his positivity at press conferences and training sessions. As Colorado prepares for its bowl game against BYU, Sanders’ encouragement will serve as a pillar for Hunter, helping him block out distractions and focus on his performance.

However, not everyone was so supportive. Former NFL stars Shannon Sharpe, Dez Bryant and Nate Burleson have all publicly expressed their opinions on Hunter’s relationship with Lenee. Sharpe warned Hunter on his Nightcap show about the complexities that come with being an NFL star and subtly advised him to proceed with caution. Bryant, on the other hand, was much more direct. In a now-deleted social media post, Bryant criticized Lenee, claiming she was more interested in fame than Hunter’s well-being. His comments sparked controversy and elicited mixed reactions from fans and fellow athletes.

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Burleson offered a more measured perspective, acknowledging in a TMZ interview that Hunter and Lenee had unintentionally drawn widespread commentary by publicly announcing their relationship. “It’s part of the game,” Burleson noted, reflecting the reality of modern social media dynamics.

What Deion Sanders said after Colorado arrived in San Antonio for the Alamo Bowl

As Colorado prepares for the Alamo Bowl, Sanders’ leadership remains crucial. The Buffaloes even have insurance policies in place to ensure that Sanders and Hunter can take the field without additional risk. For Hunter, the support of his coach and teammates could make all the difference. With his talent and Sanders’ unwavering belief, Hunter appears ready to shine when the game begins Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

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