Deion Sanders Shares Advice for Travis Hunter Amid Backlash
Deion Sanders Shares the Advice He Gave Travis Hunter About Handling Backlash Toward Fiancée Leanna Lenee

Source: Ric Tapia / Getty
Deion Sanders, the legendary NFL Hall of Famer turned head coach at Colorado, has shared the advice he gave to Travis Hunter, his star player, who faced criticism surrounding his relationship with fiancée Leanna Lenee.
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As Hunter’s fame soared following his recent Heisman Trophy win, scrutiny arose over his personal life, particularly videos of his interactions with Lenee. In response to the backlash, the couple temporarily deactivated their social media accounts.
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Speaking on The Tamron Hall Show on January 10, Sanders—known as Coach Prime—encouraged Hunter to rise above the negativity. “Don’t stop,” Sanders said, recalling his conversation with the young athlete. He also emphasized the importance of maintaining an online presence, particularly given Hunter’s endorsements and sponsorships. “We can’t deactivate; we’ve gotta activate right now,” Sanders explained, highlighting the financial implications of stepping away from social media.
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In a show of support, Sanders publicly affirmed his belief in Hunter during a Colorado Buffaloes practice before their bowl game against BYU. Addressing the entire team, he declared, “I want you to know this in front of everybody: You know we love you. We got you. We appreciate you. You are him.”
Hunter has since reactivated his social media accounts. Earlier this week, he attended Sports Illustrated’s annual awards event with Lenee, where he was honored as the 2024 Breakout Star of the Year.
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