NCAA
Heisman winner Travis Hunter defends fiancée after social media backlash
Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter’s fiancée, Leanna Lenee, has received backlash for her behavior at the ceremony on Saturday, but the WR/CB defended her.
On Sunday, Colorado Buffaloes star Travis Hunter was awarded the Heisman Trophy. Hunter was well-deserving of the award as a key contributor to both the Buffaloes' offense and defense, playing as both a wide receiver and cornerback for the team. He is the first non-quarterback to win the award since WR DeVonta Smith in 2020 and just the fifth non-quarterback to win it since 2000.
Unfortunately, during the awards ceremony on Saturday, Hunter’s fiancée, Leanna Lenee, received some backlash on social media due to her reaction after he received the award.
Travis Hunter’s fiancée Leanna Lenee receives social media backlash
When Hunter was announced as the Heisman winner, his fiancée was sitting in the audience with his mother, coach Deion Sanders, and quarterback Shedeur Sanders. While the Sanders and Hunter’s mom stood up, Lenee had to be prompted by Deoin Sanders before finally standing. She hugged Hunter when he walked over and then immediately sat down again.
This of course had people digging on the internet for more clues that Lenee is not a nice person. There were several posts popping up of her showing “attitude” at past games and events, and much speculation that she is just with Hunter for his fame and eventual money.
At least one person, WNBA star Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese, defended Lenee, writing on X to leave the couple alone and “let them be happy.”
Hunter defends fiancée amidst backlash
Hunter himself defended Lenee as well, asking fans to stop worrying about his personal life. Lenee posted supportive messages to her own social media as well
“Winner winner chicken dinner,” Lenee wrote on her Instagram after the Heisman ceremony.
“Go find something else to talk about,” said Hunter. “Go find a life! Stop worrying about what I got going on. I know what I got. I know my girl. My girl’s been with me for five years. Y’all are just now starting to talk about me and just now starting to be with me.”
In his Heisman acceptance speech, Hunter thanked Lenee, along with his mother, saying they’ve both been there for him since his freshman year of college.
“They never took a step away from all the hard hours, all the hard days, and all the times I didn’t want to wake up and even watch my phone [or] look at football,” said Hunter. “Y’all stayed with me. I’m very thankful for y’all.”
Hunter and Lenee first went public with their relationship in March 2022, when she posted photos from a Hawaiian vacation. In February 2023, she posted about their first anniversary, gushing over their relationship.
The two got engaged in February 2024 and Lenee has been a staple at Hunter’s games ever since.
As Hunter gets ready for a future in the NFL, the couple will surely be under even more scrutiny. They will have to learn to navigate the public attention as they work to keep their relationship going together for the long haul.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.