Just days before his NFL regular-season debut, Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter and his wife, Leanna Lenee, welcomed their first child. Hunter became a father on Aug. 27, an announcement that drew widespread congratulations from around the NFL world as he embarks on a new personal and professional journey.
What Advice Did Deion Sanders Give New Father Travis Hunter?
Colorado coach Deion Sanders, who mentored Hunter for three years at both Jackson State and Colorado, has a uniquely close relationship with the young star. When asked about Hunter becoming a father, Sanders’ affection was clear.
“No matter what happens in life, let’s make sure we are the best darn father that ever walked.”
Deion Sanders shares his thoughts and advice he gave Travis Hunter after becoming a father ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/PD8EkTKfB1
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 2, 2025
“Oh my god, I’m taking a deep breath because I love him to life,” said Sanders. “I love him like he’s a son. It’s funny when your son is now a father, so that’s why I had to step back. It’s a beautiful thing.”
Sanders then shared the specific advice he gave Hunter on this new chapter of his life.
“The thing that I told him is, ‘let’s correct all the things that we purposely think that we didn’t receive as a child, and let’s correct that in our fatherhood, let’s do that,'” Sanders explained. “‘And no matter what happens in life, let’s make sure we are the best darn father that ever walked.’
“That’s what I told him, and I’m proud of him, and I love him to life, and I miss him, dearly.”
After a busy summer that included getting married and welcoming his first child, it is now time for Hunter to step onto the gridiron.
What Can We Expect in Hunter’s Highly Anticipated NFL Debut?
In 2024, the 22-year-old Hunter cemented his collegiate legacy by dominating on both offense and defense, a performance that earned him the Heisman Trophy as college football’s most outstanding player. Now, the Florida native begins the next chapter of his football career with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Jacksonville opens its 2025 season against the Carolina Panthers, a team that has revamped its offense with plenty of weapons for third-year quarterback Bryce Young. With Hunter expected to line up on both offense and defense in Week 1, there will be no shortage of intriguing matchups in his debut.
On offense, the Jaguars star will face either cornerback Mike Jackson or Jaycee Horn.
Fellow Jacksonville receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is coming off an impressive opening season, and he will likely draw the opponent’s top corner each week. This means Hunter will be challenged regardless of his specific matchup, as both Jackson and Horn are formidable defenders. Both are sure tacklers, and in 2024, they combined for three interceptions and 30 passes defended.
On the defensive side of the ball, Hunter will face a talented receiving corps, including the eighth overall pick from the 2025 NFL Draft, Tetairoa McMillan. With size, speed, and reliability at Young’s disposal, the former Colorado product’s coverage abilities will be tested immediately. The long-anticipated debut of the collegiate superstar kicks off at 1 p.m. EST from Jacksonville, with all eyes on Hunter.
