Shedeur Sanders comes forward as Colorado star Travis Hunter’s relationship with fiancée faces mounting criticism

Colorado football two-way star Travis Hunter won the coveted Heisman Trophy on December 14th.

But the days that followed have been filled with controversy as the star college football player’s relationship with his fiancée Leanna Lenee came under scrutiny. Some fans took aim at Lenee over her behavior in videos circulating online.

Hunter’s teammate, Sheduer Sanders, has since decided to address the controversy. The Buffaloes quarterback suggested critics should stop weighing in on the personal lives of wide receivers and defensive backs.

“All you athletes, entertainers, artists, etc., if you are sincerely trying to pay tribute to Trav, you all know how to get in touch with him or anyone around.” Sanders signed Xon Sunday. “At this point, you’re just writing according to the algorithm and trying to look cool.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Shedeur Sanders #2 and Travis Hunter #12 of the University of Colorado Buffaloes speak to the media at Zouk Nightclub at Resorts World Las Vegas on July 21, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Louis Grasse/Getty Images)

At least one video on social media showed Lenee remaining in her seat moments after Hunter was named the 2024 Heisman recipient. NFL icon and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders appeared to get Lenee to her feet. Lenee briefly hugged Hunter before quickly sitting back down amid the crowd’s standing ovation.

Hunter and Lenee’s engagement was publicly confirmed earlier this year.

SHEDEUR SANDERS, TRAVIS HUNTER HAVE LARGEST HAND MARINE INSURANCE IN CFB HISTORY TO COVER THEIR BOWL GAME

Other video footage appeared to show Lenee remaining seated while Hunter greeted and posed for photos with fans at an event in New York City the day after the Heisman ceremony. Some fans tried to analyze Lenee’s behavior during her time at the event and even suggested that she was annoyed.

Hunter addressed the situation during a Twitch live streamingand said his fiancée cried herself to sleep and consumed alcohol because of the backlash.

Colorado’s Travis Hunter holds the trophy after winning the Heisman Trophy as the outstanding player in college football, Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, in New York. (Todd Van Emst/Heisman Trust via AP, Pool)

“You know the hurt when you just cry yourself to sleep,” Hunter said, before adding that he didn’t want Lenee to “go to bed sad” after drinking.

“I know what I got. I know my girl. My girl has been with me for five years,” Hunter said. “You guys just started talking about me and just started being with me. Come on, man.”

Colorado receiver Travis Hunter celebrates a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game against North Dakota State, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Last week, Lenee took to TikTok to address the criticism.

“People say I say, ‘What am I going to do? Just sit here?’ ” she said on December 16 in response to a clip. “That’s what I said first and foremost.”

On Monday, TMZ reported that Hunter decided to deactivate his Instagram account. Hunter has yet to publicly reveal any details of his decision.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Hunter is expected to be one of the first players selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. But he is still expected to play in the Alamo Bowl game against BYU.

Follow Fox News Digital sports coverage on Xand subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.