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Shedeur Sanders has been having an incredible year. In addition to his football team, the Colorado Buffaloes, performing exceptionally well, the footballer has more to celebrate. His best pal, Travis Hunter, who plays alongside him, has a rising star, too. The soon-to-be NFL star was recently awarded the coveted Heisman Trophy award. However, his big moment has been drowned out by trolls, hate, and unbelievable comments. So, what exactly is going on?
Social Media Goes After Travis Hunter’s Girlfriend
In December 2024, Travis Hunter won college football’s most prestigious award—the Heisman Trophy. However, instead of celebrating being the second University of Colorado alum to claim the title, the baller has been dealing with negative attacks online. When the two-way player was announced as the winner, a video of his coach, Sheduer Sanders, and his girlfriend, Leanna Lenee, went viral. In the clip, Lenee is seen sitting while others around Travis stand to give their congratulations. “Why she ain’t hyped about her man winning HEISMAN???” someone wrote on X, formerly Twitter. But they weren’t the only ones with something to say. Several other netizens shared their opinions online—including rapper Bow Wow—leading other celebrities to speak out on Hunter’s behalf.
Travis Deactivates His Instagram Account
Following the nonstop criticism, Travis Hunter addressed the noise about his relationship during an online Twitch stream. While answering fan questions, the young baller seemed to admit that incessant comments about his partner had started to become overwhelming. “Find someone else to talk about; go talk about your girl,” he said. “Go find a girl [and] a life. Stop worrying about what I got going on. I know what I got. My girl been with me for five years.” Of course, Hunter’s comments went viral online, causing more feedback about his lengthy relationship. However, this time, Travis decided to drown out the noise. On December 23, Hunter, 21, deactivated his Instagram and TikTok accounts.
Shedeur Sanders and Angel Reese Defend Travis
Not only are Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders teammates, but they’re boys, too. That explains why Sheduer was one of the celebrities who defended the Heisman winner online. In a post to X, the Colorado quarterback blasted the trolls—and public figures—who can’t stop talking about the young adult. “All y’all athletes, entertainers, artist etc … if y’all genuine trying to holla at trav y’all know how to get in touch with him or someone around. At this point, y’all just posting for the algorithm, trying to look cool,” he wrote.
But Sheduer isn’t the only popular young athlete who supports Hunter. WNBA sensation Angel Reese also spoke up, defending Travis and his girlfriend, Leanna. “Leave that girl alone and let them be happy. Damn,” she wrote online following the hate she saw the couple receiving. “Y’all wanna be internet relationship experts so bad. This is why we want to keep things private ’cause y’all always gonna try to find SOMETHING.”
It’s unclear if Travis Hunter is on a social media hiatus or if he’s left the platforms for good. However, one thing is clear: there’s several people out there who have the young star’s back.
