Travis Hunter locks down after relationship drama and hires bodyguard

Colorado's Heisman winner taking zero chances and making better decisions before NFL Draft
Travis Hunter/Instagram
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Travis Hunter’s journey to the Heisman Trophy was nothing short of spectacular. As one of college football’s most dynamic two-way players, he electrified audiences with his ability to dominate both as a cornerback and a wide receiver. His victory in December was a moment of triumph, the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. Yet, in the months that followed, instead of basking in the glow of his accomplishment, Hunter found himself navigating a series of personal changes—some of his own choosing, others forced upon him by the weight of public scrutiny.

As he prepares for the next phase of his football career, these changes have reshaped his daily life. From hiring a personal chef to stepping away from social media, from employing a bodyguard to withdrawing from the public eye, Hunter has taken deliberate steps to protect his peace of mind and prioritize his future. His experience serves as a fascinating case study of the modern athlete, where on-field success is only part of the equation. The challenges of fame, personal relationships, and media attention have become just as significant as training regimens and draft preparation.

The Importance of a Personal Chef

One of the more pragmatic adjustments Hunter has made is hiring a personal chef. This decision is not uncommon among elite athletes, but it underscores his growing awareness of the need for efficiency and optimal nutrition. The demands of professional football are relentless, requiring peak physical conditioning and an unwavering focus on performance. By outsourcing meal preparation, Hunter can ensure that his diet is tailored to his needs while also freeing up valuable time.

Time management is a critical skill for any professional athlete, and as Hunter transitions to the next level, every minute matters. The decision to bring in a chef is not just about convenience—it’s about maximizing his potential. Players like Tom Brady and LeBron James have long emphasized the role of diet in sustaining peak performance. Given the high standards set at Colorado by Chef Carl Solomon, it’s not surprising that Hunter has recognized the benefits of structured nutrition. This move signals a level of maturity and foresight that should serve him well as he embarks on his NFL journey.

The Internet’s Fixation on His Relationship

If the decision to hire a personal chef was a calculated step toward professional growth, the controversy surrounding his relationship with his fiancée, Leanna Lenee, was an entirely different matter—one that he didn’t sign up for.

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For much of his college career, Hunter’s personal life remained in the background, acknowledged but largely untouched by public scrutiny. That changed abruptly following a postgame incident after the UCF game, when families were held in the stands longer than expected. Leanna, frustrated by the situation, voiced her displeasure. What should have been a minor moment turned into an internet firestorm, with social media users seizing on her reaction as a sign of deeper issues.

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The internet, as it often does, took a single moment and ran wild with speculation. Strangers, many of whom had never met Hunter, began offering unsolicited advice, claiming to look out for his best interests. The absurdity of the situation is clear: no relationship is immune to outside judgment, but few experience the level of public scrutiny that Hunter and Leanna suddenly found themselves under. Instead of focusing on his game or his future, Hunter was forced to contend with an avalanche of opinions about his personal life—something no 20-something athlete should have to endure.

Logging Off: A Necessary Step

With the noise around his relationship growing louder, Hunter made a drastic move—he removed himself from nearly all social media platforms, keeping only YouTube and Twitch. It was a decision rooted in self-preservation, and one that speaks volumes about both his mindset and the current digital landscape.

Social media is a double-edged sword. For athletes, it provides a direct connection to fans, an opportunity to control their own narratives, and even a financial benefit through sponsorship deals. But it also exposes them to relentless criticism, often from people with no real stake in their success. Hunter’s departure from X and Instagram was a firm rejection of that toxicity.

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His reasoning? Peace of mind to say the least.
“I get up and go work out. I’m on land so I’m where I want to be. Got lakes and ponds around me. Can fish all day if I wanted to, but the weather need to act right first. But it’s been fun you know. I like to chill, I’m right where I want to be. 800 acres chilling in the house in the back, nobody can get to me. Got my video games, got my fishing pole, got my girl, got my boys, my family. Yeah, that’s all I need. Living a dream baby.”

This is a rare glimpse into Hunter’s psyche. While many athletes get caught up in the noise, he has chosen to retreat, focusing instead on the things that truly matter to him.

Security Concerns: Hiring a Bodyguard

Another indication of how rapidly Hunter’s fame has grown is his decision to hire a bodyguard. While it’s not uncommon for professional athletes to employ security, it’s unusual for a college player to feel the need for one before even entering the NFL.


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Hunter’s decision to hire “Frank” as his bodyguard highlights the darker side of stardom. Fame brings opportunities, but it also invites unwanted attention. Hunter has admitted that he has stopped taking pictures with fans as frequently, not out of arrogance but out of caution. The recent controversy involving NBA star Victor Wembanyama—where a young fan’s family auctioned off his jersey just hours after a touching moment—serves as a cautionary tale. Not everyone who approaches a player has pure intentions, and Hunter is learning that lesson quickly.

The Road Ahead

Travis Hunter is in a unique position. He is not just an exceptional football player—he is a brand, a personality, and a figure of immense public interest. His ability to excel at both cornerback and wide receiver makes him a unicorn in the football world, and as the draft approaches, NFL teams will have to determine how to best utilize his generational talent.

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Yet, what makes Hunter even more intriguing is how he carries himself. While some of his peers seek the limelight, he appears content to put his head down and work. He is intentional about his choices, whether that means structuring his workouts around playing both offense and defense or stepping away from social media to focus on what truly matters. “All the haters are messing it up for my supporters,” Hunter said.

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That quote encapsulates where he is today. He is navigating fame on his own terms, making the necessary adjustments to safeguard his peace while preparing for the biggest opportunity of his career. If his approach to this offseason is any indication, the NFL is about to witness something special.


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Jason Jones
JASON JONES

Jason Jones is a writer and reporter for On SI. He has covered all major sports for the past two decades. Jones began his career in sports radio broadcasting, working for WKNR in Cleveland and KKML in Denver as show host, producer, and director of production. He previously worked as an NFL Draft analyst and reporter for Yahoo Sports Radio.