Ex-Steelers Star Claps Back at Colorado Star Travis Hunter's 'Kinda Crazy' Heisman Claim

Give Colorado two-way star Travis Hunter some credit: He's not afraid to stump for himself, nor is he one to hide his feelings. That's fair, and it certainly makes him an entertaining player on and off the field.

But Hunter ran afoul of many when he did more than simply pump up his own performance here in 2024, which has been good enough to warrant Heisman Trophy consideration. Hunter also took a swipe at the current favorite to win the award, Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty.

At top sports books in the U.S., according to Vegas Insider , Jeanty is the Heisman favorite, with Oregon's Dillon Gabriel second and Hunter third.

One of those who took exception to Hunter diminishing what Jeanty has done so far was former running back Le'Veon Bell, who was a star at Michigan State before playing eight NFL seasons, five with the Steelers.

Bell wrote on Twitter/X in response to Hunter: "I love travis hunters game, he’s def been VERY impressive (if not most impressive).. but sayin 'we’ve seen good running backs before' tryna down play this man’s season is kinda crazy .. chris gamble from OSU played both ways too, WE KNOW it’s rare, but don’t say it wasn’t done ..."

Hunter leads the nation with 49 receptions and has 587 yards with six touchdowns as a receiver, while also recording two interceptions and a forced fumble as a cornerback. He is rated among the best corners in the country by Pro Football Focus.

Speaking on the " Outta Pocket With RGIII " podcast this week, Hunter said: "Y'all seen Ashton Jeanty. But it's not like we haven't seen a running back that's good. We haven't seen a player that's played both ways. He has, I think, 95 carries for 1,000 yards. If I had 95 catches, how much yards would you think I’d have? ... He got double the touches I got."

That's true, but as a running back, Jeanty is expected to grind out short- and medium-length runs--no receiver gets as many touches as a top running back, of course.

What Jeanty has done with the 126 carries he has gotten has been remarkable: 1,248 yards, most in the country, along with 9.9 yards per carry (No. 1) and 17 touchdowns (also No. 1). No doubt, what Hunter has done is impressive, too.

But, as Bell said, trying to downplay Jeanty's dominance is, "kinda crazy."

Related: Colorado's Travis Hunter Sends Strong Heisman Message After Big Interception