Henry Blackburn Joel Blocker / For the Coloradoan / USA TODAY NETWORK

Henry Blackburn receiving death threats over hit on Travis Hunter

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 9/18/23

Colorado State defensive back Henry Blackburn is receiving death threats over his hit on Colorado star Travis Hunter in Saturday’s game between the teams.

Blackburn nailed Hunter with a big hit in the first quarter of the Rams’ 43-35 double-overtime loss to Hunter’s Buffs (video here). Blackburn was penalized 15 yards for the hit, but he was not ejected as some thought he should have been.

Though Hunter initially remained in the game, he later left and was taken to a hospital. Deion Sanders said Monday that Hunter will miss three weeks. The two-way player reportedly has a lacerated liver.

Colorado fans have been furious over Blackburn’s hit on Hunter. According to what Colorado State’s athletic director told ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Blackburn has received threats over social media, including death threats. Both Blackburn and his mother have had their addresses and phone numbers published over the internet too.

By the time the game ended on Saturday, both Henry and his mother’s cell phone numbers had been published on the Internet. They’ve been inundated with threatening calls and text messages. Henry’s campus address and his family’s home address were also published. 3/5

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 18, 2023

“We’re very concerned about our player’s safety, as Henry and his family have continued to receive these threats,” CSU AD Joe Parker told ESPN. “Henry never intended to put anyone in harm’s way on the football field. It’s not what we teach or coach. We hope that the irrational vitriol directed at Henry stops immediately.”

Colorado State head coach Jay Norvell similarly called on people to stop with the threats. He expressed concern for Blackburn.

Jay Norvell on the death threats that #CSURams' Henry Blackburn has received over the last few days:

“I hope there can be some accountability in that type of behavior. I’m very concerned for our kids. There’s really no place for that in athletics and sports."

— Tyler King (@King_TylerB) September 18, 2023