Related video: Travis Hunter selected second in NFL Draft
DENVER (KDVR) Just days after graduating from the University of Colorado Boulder and weeks after being drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Travis Hunter is going viral, but not for his achievements, but for his kindness.
A woman took to Facebook to talk about her experience on a United flight from Denver, during which she met “the nicest young man.” That young man happened to be Hunter, a Heisman Trophy winner and rare two-way star who played both defensive back and receiver for Colorado.
But before Sandy Hawkins Combs noticed Hunter was a professional athlete, she noticed his character.
“I had the most wonderful flight home from Denver. I met the nicest young man who sat next to me. He offered to put my bag in the overhead compartment and helped me with my tray. He was always polite, saying ‘yes ma’am’ or ‘no ma’am.’ Anyone would be proud to have him as a son or grandson—so polite,” said Combs on Facebook.
Combs said she began to notice people congratulating Hunter, and that is when she realized the young man might be someone special.
“People walking by were saying congratulations, great job, or even taking pictures. I turned and asked him, ‘Who am I sitting next to?’ I looked at his Jaguar pants, smiled, and asked, ‘Are you an athlete?’ He smiled and said, ‘I’m Travis. Yes, I was drafted by the Jags,'” said Combs. ” I already told my sons I want his jersey.”
Simply introducing himself as “Travis,” Hunter left his mark on a United flight after his big week in Boulder, where he graduated as a first-generation student. “Sports Illustrated” said Hunter wore those Jaguars pajama pants underneath his graduation gown at his commencement ceremony, visible below his calves, then boarded his cross-country flight.
As Hunter prepares to start his new career in Jacksonville, he now has a new fan in Combs.
“He’s so humble and down-to-earth—I would have never guessed he was a professional athlete. JACKSONVILLE JAGS, you did good! I will be buying tickets,” she said.
Before the two went their separate ways, Hunter and Combs snapped a selfie that has now captured the internet’s heart.
