Arrested for drug and gun possession, top 5 NFL Draft prospect’s father gets special permission to attend

Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter is a never-before-seen phenomenon - a two-way player who excels on offense and defense as both a wide receiver and cornerback. He stood out in college, following coach Prime from Jackson State to Colorado on his way to becoming one of the most unique and talented prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft class.

When Hunter received the Heisman Trophy in December, he gave an emotional speech thanking his father, Travis Hunter Sr., who unfortunately could not attend as he is currently on a three-year probation. He will, however, be able to attend the 2025 NFL Draft, where his son is expected to be a top-five pick.

Court grants Travis Hunter’s father special travel for NFL Draft

39-year-old Hunter Sr. was arrested in 2023 for possession of drugs and gun charges. In late September 2024, he was sentenced to 90 days in prison at the Palm Beach County West Detention Center in Belle Glade. He was released just nine days before Hunter Jr.’s Heisman ceremony, but was given a three-year probation period which ordered him to complete the first year in home confinement, keeping him from being able to attend.

Instead, Hunter Sr. watched the ceremony from his mother Shirley’s home in Boynton Beach, where he heard his son give a speech that included a heartfelt message to him.

“I want to say something to my father,” Hunter said in his Heisman acceptance speech. “He’s not here and wasn’t able to make it but I know you’re watching on TV. Dad, I love you. For all the stuff you went through man … Now, look at your oldest son. I did it for you, man."

“All the times that you didn’t get to see me, or the times you did come to see my games. From not seeing probably two games in high school to seeing me on TV every weekend and coming to see me. That means so much to me,” he said. “I know you wanted to be here and you can’t, but trust me, I got you. I’m bringing the trophy home. I love you.”

On Thursday, April 24, however, Hunter’s father will be attending the NFL Draft alongside his son. Hunter Sr. was granted special permission by the courts to travel to Green Bay, Wisconsin for the event.

According to court documents, he will leave West Palm Beach the day before the draft and is ordered to return on Friday, the day after the draft’s first round. He had to submit a full itinerary and schedule to his community control officer, and while he’s in Green Bay, Hunter Sr. will be restricted to the hotel grounds when he’s not at the draft at Lambeau Field.

“That made me proud because he can go up there,” said Shirley, Hunter Sr,’s mom. “I’d rather him be up there to be with his son than me. That’s his first son.”

Hunter Jr. is projected by many to be selected No. 2 overall by the Cleveland Browns, with most oddsmakers predicting he’ll be gone in the top four regardless. While his teammate, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, has chosen not to attend the draft in person, Hunter couldn’t imagine sitting it out.

“If I’m the No. 1 pick, I only get to walk that stage one time with a smile on my face,” Hunter said. “[I’ve] got to do it. The first person in my family to do it? Oh, I’m definitely doing it.”

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