Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter welcomes baby boy ahead of NFL opener

Jeff Hauser

Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter welcomes baby boy ahead of NFL opener image

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter has added another title to his name before his first NFL snap. He's now a father.

Hunter and his wife, Leanna Lenee, announced the arrival of their baby boy on Wednesday, sharing the news with fans through a video on Hunter’s YouTube channel. The heartfelt clip, titled “Dear Son…”, chronicled their journey from the initial pregnancy announcement to the emotional moment they welcomed their son. The caption simply read, “Dear Son, We love you. Love, Mom and Dad.”

According to People, Hunter and Lenee began dating in 2022 before getting engaged two years later. They married in May 2025, just months before the Jaguars selected Hunter with the No. 2 overall pick in the NFL Draft. Now, the couple steps into parenthood as Hunter prepares for the most demanding chapter of his professional career.

On the field, expectations for the former Colorado standout remain sky-high. Hunter enters the league after a decorated 2024 season in which he won the Heisman Trophy and was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. His rare ability to excel as both a cornerback and wide receiver captivated college football and set the stage for his two-way role in Jacksonville.

The Jaguars were cautious with Hunter during training camp after he dealt with an upper-body injury, but general manager James Gladstone confirmed Wednesday that he is on track for the Sept. 7 season opener against the Carolina Panthers. That game will reunite him with former Buffaloes teammate Jimmy Horn Jr., now a rookie in Carolina.

For now, Hunter’s biggest victory comes off the field. As he navigates the challenges of life as an NFL rookie, he will do so with a new perspective. Not just as a player and teammate, but as a husband and father.

MORE COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS: 

 

Jeff Hauser

Jeff Hauser is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He has over twenty years of experience and is a two-time Emmy Award winner, Heisman Trophy and Biletnikoff Award voter. Among the events he has covered are the Super Bowl, College Football Playoff, World Series, World Cup, and WBC Boxing. Hauser is a regular guest on FOX Sports and ESPN Radio. He previously wrote for Sports Illustrated, SB Nation and Athlon Sports.