As the college football season winds down, the sport’s elite players are splitting into two groups: those focused on the College Football Playoff (CFP) and those preparing for the NFL Draft in April. Travis Hunter, a standout talent, finds himself firmly in the latter category. However, this shift offers its own rewards. For Hunter, success off the field has become as prominent as his on-field achievements, and his latest milestone proves just that.
Just days before heading to the Heisman Trophy Ceremony as the favorite, Hunter has announced a major endorsement deal with Adidas. The partnership will see him represent the brand’s iconic three stripes throughout his NFL career. Reflecting on the deal, Hunter expressed his excitement, stating, “The partners they currently have are top tier with some of the best young guys like me. I’m pumped to join the three stripes as we continue pushing the boundaries of the sport we all love.” Hunter joins an impressive roster of Adidas athletes, including Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Dallas Cowboys star Micah Parsons. As part of the collaboration, Hunter will also receive a limited-edition apparel collection with the brand.
While the Adidas deal is a significant achievement, the journey to this partnership was far from straightforward. Throughout his college career at Colorado, Hunter wore Nike cleats and gear due to the school’s affiliation with the brand. His head coach, Deion Sanders, and teammate Shedeur Sanders are also tied to Nike, making the company the natural favorite to sign Hunter. In fact, Hunter frequently donned Deion’s signature Nike DT Max ‘96 cleats during his stellar campaign.
In a recent interview, Hunter shed light on why he ultimately chose Adidas over Nike, offering insights into the personal nature of his decision. He remarked, “[Adidas are] definitely a family-oriented organization…they always kept everybody close. They never hid nothing from me and the more conversations that I have made me feel more like home.” While the financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, many believe Adidas made a substantial offer to secure their new star.
The decision has left fans and observers puzzled, as Nike seemed to have a clear advantage in signing Hunter. Some speculated that Nike’s failure to close the deal was a miscalculation. Fans voiced their opinions on social media, expressing disbelief. One comment read, “How Nike fumble this one,” while another pointed out, “Nike sold—he’s basically Deion’s son.” Others highlighted the missed opportunity for Nike to market both Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders together, with one fan noting, “Nike just lost a bag, coulda had Shedeur and Trav.”
The move to Adidas has sparked discussions about potential marketing opportunities for the brand. Many believe it’s only a matter of time before Adidas launches a signature cleat line for Hunter. A fan even quipped, “Bro gotta go put all of Coach Prime’s shoes back in his office now.”
Some have also likened this move to past missteps in the sportswear industry. One comment encapsulated the situation, stating, “Adidas say they will never make the Jordan mistake ever again lol.” While Hunter may not yet hold the same cultural significance for Adidas as Michael Jordan does for Nike, the partnership hints at a shifting dynamic in sports endorsements. With fellow Heisman finalist Cam Ward also signed to Adidas, the brand appears poised to solidify its presence in the NFL by investing in emerging stars.
Hunter’s deal with Adidas is more than just a milestone for the athlete—it signals a potential shift in the balance of power among sportswear giants, with Adidas aiming to strengthen its legacy through the next generation of NFL talent.