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Terrell Owens Gets Brutally Honest on Controversial Travis Hunter Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Licata | Last updated Nov 27, 2024 6:34 PM ET

Colorado Buffaloes two-way star Travis Hunter was surprisingly omitted on Tuesday as a finalist for the 2024 Paycom Jim Thorpe Award, which is presented annually to the nation's best defensive back in college football.

Instead, Ohio State's Caleb Downs, Georgia's Malaki Starks and Texas' Jahdae Barron were named the three finalists, drawing the ire of Hunter's head coach Deion Sanders, who won the award back in 1988.

"Travis can have my Thorpe Award," Sanders told reporters after the controversial decision. "Because if this ain't the most idiotic thing in college football that he's not a finalist for the Jim Thorpe award. ... I would say arguably but I don't think it's really an argument about this young man being the best defensive back in college football."

Like Sanders, Hall of Fame wide receiver Terrell Owens, who has a longstanding relationship with Coach Prime and the Sanders family, was among those outraged by the news.

"Who should I @? @collegegameday @cfbplayoff @esoncfb," Owens wrote on his Instagram story.

Owens posted a follow-up IG story in which he reshared an infographic highlighting five other major awards Hunter was named a finalist for in 2024, including the Maxwell Award for the nation's best all-around player.

"MAKE IT MAKE DAMN SENSE!!! I have a lot to say but even when 'WE' EARN it, 'WE' still don't get what rightfully deserve," Owens added.

The Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame and a screening committee comprised of its members is responsible for handing out the Thorpe Award.

After Sanders' critical comments, the Hall's executive director Mike James told USA Today, "We offer no criticism of Coach Sanders and wish our former award winner the best.”

Through 11 games this season, Hunter has recorded 31 total tackles, nine pass breakups, three interceptions and a game-saving forced fumble. On offense, he is also leading the Big 12 in receptions (82) and touchdowns (11).

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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