Deion Sanders Denies Travis Hunter's Plea to Return Early from Injury for Colorado

Colorado star Travis Hunter was hoping to return sooner than the three-week recovery timeline for his lacerated liver, but his head coach Deion Sanders held him back for his own good.

In a behind-the-scenes video released on Monday, Sanders was speaking to the Buffaloes when he revealed a text message from Hunter (around the 3:00 mark) that said, "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."

Sanders responded, "No. You ain't ready and I care more about you than I care about this game. You gonna change the game of football one day when you healthy and ready. Your future is brighter than mine ever will be and ever was. Relax and get healthy. I love you, son."

Hunter suffered the injury in the first half of Colorado's win over Colorado State last week and was taken to the hospital. The Buffaloes played their first game without him on Saturday against then-No. 10 Oregon and were blown out 42-6.

While Colorado would've benefitted from Hunter's two-way capabilities, quarterback Shedeur Sanders said after the game, "That's not the reason we didn't win." However, his father acknowledged the impact of Hunter's absence.

"Of course Travis was missed. He's the best player in CFB," Deion said. "It's like saying you're a writer and you don't have your pen."

A stellar athlete who excels both as a receiver and a cornerback, Hunter has 16 receptions for 213 yards and nine tackles, two passes defended and an interception this season. His unique skill set helped Colorado capture the attention of the college football world when it started the year with three straight wins.

Still, Sanders said he hopes his text message to Hunter reiterated to his players that he'll never put the game before their health.

"I care about y'all more than I care about this game, but I want you to learn throughout this game and through our trials and tribulations who you are," he said.

The Buffaloes will face another tough test without Hunter this week when they meet the No. 8 USC Trojans on Saturday.