Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter has faced multiple injury setbacks throughout his college career, including a lacerated liver sidelining him for three games in 2023 and a shoulder injury forcing him out of a game in October. However, he remains undeterred about potential injury risks in his upcoming final college game at the Alamo Bowl against BYU. While many top NFL prospects are opting out of bowl games to avoid injury, Colorado’s versatile football star plans to take the field on both offense and defense, demonstrating his fearless approach.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to play another game,” Hunter shared on his podcast. “I couldn’t go another month without playing football.” Colorado has taken measures to insure Hunter and other players for the Alamo Bowl, yet concerns linger about the limitations of such policies when significant financial stakes are involved. Additionally, Hunter’s decision to play both ways rekindles the debate on whether NFL teams should permit such risks for exceptional athletes like him, given the potential impact on their future careers.
Renowned sports insurance recovery attorney Richard Giller raised doubts about the wisdom of risking long-term financial security for a single bowl game. As Hunter prepares for his final college game, the specter of past incidents, such as Willis McGahee’s knee injury in the 2003 Fiesta Bowl, looms large. McGahee’s draft stock plummeted as a result, serving as a cautionary tale for athletes like Hunter and Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who also opted to play in the Alamo Bowl.
Despite the financial uncertainties and historical precedents, Sanders emphasized the value of seizing the moment and savoring their last collegiate game together. As the Alamo Bowl approaches, these players must weigh the allure of one more college game against the potential risks before the NFL draft. Keeping in mind the experiences of past players like McGahee, Jaylon Smith, and Jake Butt, Hunter and Sanders face a pivotal decision that could shape their future careers.
According to ESPN, he was set to receive $543,000 from his insurance but, due to falling in the draft and sustaining an injury, he ended up losing $2.8 million. In the case of McGahee, he had taken out a $2.5 million policy just before a bowl game, but the policy could only be claimed if he never played football again. However, he returned to play in 2004 and went on to have a 10-season career in the NFL.
The availability of insurance payouts largely depends on the type of policy the players hold and the specific terms outlined in the insurance contract. While Colorado did not disclose detailed information about the insurance policies obtained for Hunter and Sanders, it was described as disability insurance. Professor Josh Lens, who specializes in research on insurance coverage for college athletes at Iowa, mentioned that there are few confirmed cases of insurers paying out to college athletes due to the stringent requirements in the policy language.
In cases of injuries where players file claims to access their insurance coverage, it can often lead to disputes. Attorney Giller shared that he has assisted numerous professional athletes in getting their claims approved for various disability insurance policies, especially for substantial losses. However, he highlighted that insurance companies may try to avoid payouts for larger claims.
Hunter, who is known for playing multiple positions and incurring a high number of snaps, faces increased injury risks. NFL teams may be hesitant to allow him to play both offense and defense to safeguard their investments. Giller also pointed out Hunter’s size as a potential concern for playing both ways in the NFL.
Despite the financial risks involved, Hunter’s approach to playing without holding back showcases his dedication to the sport. Coached by Deion Sanders, both players participated in a bowl game despite financial considerations, emphasizing the importance of commitment to their team and the game itself.
“I am not going to tap out, because that throws off the structure of next season. There are a couple of teams, you should take note, that laid an egg in the bowl game and they haven’t recovered since. We don’t plan on doing that.” Kickoff at the Alamodome in San Antonio is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
