Travis Hunter to Deion Sanders: I need to play this week, not taking no for an answer

Colorado‘s injured two-way star Travis Hunter sent head coach Deion Sanders a text following’s Saturday loss to Oregon. He was adamant about playing versus USC this week.

“I need to play this week. We need to get everything we can so I can get back on the field. I’m not taking no for an answer,” Hunter texted Sanders.

Sanders relayed that to his team in a meeting back in Boulder, Colo., that was captured in a video from Well Off Media.

“Who do you think sent me that?” Sanders asked his team. The group responded with “Travis.”

Sanders than followed up with what he texted Hunter back.

“No you ain’t ready and I care about your more than I care about this game,” Sanders texted and then read to the group. “You’re going to change the game of football one day when you’re healthy and ready. Your future is brighter than mine ever will be and ever was. Relax and get healthy. I love you son.”

Hunter was injured in the Buffaloes’ Week 3 win over Colorado State on a late hit from Rams safety Henry Blackburn. He suffered a lacerated liver that is expected to keep him out for three-to-four weeks.

After he went down and the team knew he was going to be out, Sanders addressed the loss by giving high praise to the star.

“Travis is always gonna be missed,” Sanders said. “He’s the best darn player in college football. How is he not missed? That’s just like you saying you’re writing an article and your pen is missing. That’s how much he means.”

Hunter was the No. 2 overall recruit in the 2022 cycle coming out of high school, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He played last season at Jackson State before following Sanders to Colorado.

Through the first three games of the season, Hunter had nine tackles, two passes defended and one interceptions on defense and 16 catches for 213 yards on offense.

His absence was felt in the Buffaloes blowout loss to the Ducks this weekend in Eugene, Ore., as Oregon dominated in a 42-6 win.

Colorado finished with only 199 yards on offense while Shedeur Sanders threw for just 159 yards and one touchdown in the contest.

Saturday’s game versus the Trojans will take place in Boulder, Colo., and will kick off at 10 a.m. MT on Fox as the network’s Big Noon Kickoff game.