As the first two-way player to win the Heisman Trophy since 1997, Travis Hunter has become a household name in American football. Behind his meteoric rise to the NFL is a foundation built by his family. Travis Hunter’s mom and dad are Travis Hunter Sr. and Ferrante Edmonds, people who have played distinct but vital roles in shaping the Jacksonville Jaguars star’s career.
The Hunter Family at a Glance
Travis Hunter was born on 18 May 2003 in West Palm Beach, Florida, to parents who were themselves young when they started their family. Both are African American with deep roots in the Southern United States, particularly Florida and Georgia.
| Feature | Travis Hunter Sr. (Father) | Ferrante Edmonds (Mother) |
|---|---|---|
| Athletic Background | Former track and semi-pro football star | Strong motivator and digital creator |
| Key Support Role | Passed down athletic “grit” and technical inspiration | The steady presence through relocations and struggles |
| Current Residence | Boynton Beach, Florida | Savannah, Georgia |
Travis Hunter Sr.: The Athletic Inspiration
The athletic prowess seen in Travis Hunter Jr. is deeply rooted in his father’s history. Travis Hunter Sr. was a standout athlete at Boynton Beach High School in Florida during the early 2000s.
• Track and Field Excellence: Hunter Sr. was a record-breaking sprinter, once clocking a 10.82-second 100-metre dash as a 15-year-old freshman. He was also a key member of a school-record-setting relay team.
• Football Career: His speed translated well to the gridiron, where he played as an offensive weapon. After high school, he competed in the Florida Football Alliance (FFA) and the Southern States Football League (SSFL).
• Accolades: In 2007, he was named the SSFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Despite his talent, Hunter Sr.’s life has faced significant hurdles. In 2023, he was arrested on gun and drug charges. He subsequently served a 90-day jail sentence and is currently serving three years of probation, with the first year under home confinement.
Ferrante Edmonds: The Family Anchor
While his father provided the athletic blueprint, his mother, Ferrante Edmonds, provided the stability. Edmonds, a digital creator, has been described as the “steady presence” who navigated the family through years of sacrifice.
When Travis was entering high school, Ferrante made the difficult decision to move the family from Florida to Atlanta, Georgia, seeking better opportunities and a safer environment. The transition was not easy; Edmonds shared that they initially stayed with friends and family or lived in hotels before finding a permanent home.
Travis has frequently credited his mother’s resilience for his own success. In March 2024, he used his football earnings to surprise her with a five-bedroom house in Savannah, Georgia, a moment he documented on his YouTube channel.
Navigating Challenges Together
The relationship between Travis and his parents is characterized by deep emotional bonds and forgiveness.
The 2024 Heisman Ceremony
A defining moment for the family occurred in December 2024 when Travis won the Heisman Trophy. While Edmonds was there to support him, Hunter Sr. was unable to attend due to his legal situation and watched from home.
In a tearful acceptance speech, Travis addressed his father directly: “Dad, I love you. All the stuff you went through, man… I did it for you”. He promised to bring the trophy home to him, acknowledging that while his father couldn’t always be there in person, he was always watching on TV.
A New Chapter at the NFL Draft
By April 2025, the family’s situation saw a positive turn. A Florida court granted Hunter Sr. permission to travel to Green Bay, Wisconsin, for the 2025 NFL Draft. He was able to join Edmonds and Travis to witness his son being drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars, marking a significant milestone in their journey of reconciliation and shared success.
The Extended “Village”
Travis Hunter’s upbringing involved more than just his biological parents. As Edmonds noted, “It takes a village to help with that child”.
• Frontia Fountain: During his sophomore year at Collins Hill High, Travis moved in with his secondary coach, Frontia Fountain, and his family to help manage the demands of his rising career.
• Grandmother Shirley Hunter: His paternal grandmother first introduced him to football in Palm Beach County and remains a major influence.
• Siblings: Travis is the oldest of four; he has a sister, Taylor, and two brothers, Trayvis (a rising football star) and Junior.
Through legal trials, financial struggles, and relocation, Travis Hunter’s parents have remained central figures in his life. Their “complicated but truthful” connection has provided the grounding necessary for one of football’s most unique talents to reach the pinnacle of the sport.