The bond between Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter and Deion Sanders is more than just a student-coach relationship. The pair share a father-son bond, and even after their career trajectories have taken different turns, the Colorado alum continues to be in touch and spends time with Sanders.
Following Sanders’ recent health scare that temporarily forced him to step away from coaching duties at Colorado, Hunter recently caught up with the former Super Bowl champion and joined him for a fishing session.
Travis Hunter Catches Up With Deion Sanders Amid Colorado HC’s Health Struggles
Sanders faced health issues at the start of the month that worried fans, especially given his medical history. He previously had toes amputated due to blood clots in his left foot that led to surgery in 2021. In 2023, he missed media day for another emergency surgery to remove similar clots in his legs to prevent further complications.
It was yet again a concerning period, and while the exact complications aren’t known, Sanders had to step away from his duties at Colorado until he recovered, something that thankfully happened last week, bringing relief to everyone who follows him, including Hunter.
Hunter had promised in his Heisman Trophy-winning speech that he would go fishing with Sanders, and he did so Friday, apparently at the latter’s own lake. The Jaguars’ rookie did catch a few fish but was also seen dropping one back into the water.
View this post on Instagram
Hunter had expressed gratitude to Sanders for changing his life at the Heisman ceremony, adding, “Coach Prime, I’m going to whoop you on that lake tomorrow or whenever we get the chance. But thank you, man you changed my life forever.”
Originally committed to Florida State, Hunter made headlines when he flipped his commitment to Jackson State after being recruited by none other than one of the greatest players in FSU history. Sanders still holds the record for most punt returns (126) and punt return yardage (1,492) at the school and brought Hunter with him when he transferred to Colorado in 2023.
Alongside his son Shedeur Sanders, the pair managed to transform the Buffaloes from a one-win program to a nine-win powerhouse. During those years, the Jaguars’ rookie developed a father-son bond with the elder Sanders.
“It’s just an unbreakable father-son bond,” Hunter told Fox Sports. “It’s like we’ve known each other for years, even though we just met three years ago. That was my first time meeting him when he called me from the hospital bed [recovering from foot surgery], letting me know he wanted me to come play for him. I can’t explain it enough. I love him so much and I know he loves me just as much.”
No matter what Hunter accomplishes in the NFL and beyond, Sanders will remain a grounding force in his life, and as is evident, their relationship extends far beyond the game.