Travis Hunter’s uncle Fella had been away for 25 years, so his recent release was an emotional moment for the family. He went in before Travis Hunter was even born, making their first real connection all the more intense.
The news lit up social media, with fans divided, many wondering how close they could really be if they’d never shared life on the outside.
But the spotlight quickly turned to something deeper. Life in prison isn’t a walk in the park, and now that he’s out, Hunter’s uncle is opening up about what it really does to a man.
From the constant tension to the isolation, he says it wasn’t just the time, but the mental strain. In his own words, “they try to break you,” and he’s finally talking about how it nearly did.
Travis Hunter’s Uncle Says Prison Breaks You Mentally
According to Travis Hunter’s uncle, prison doesn’t heal. Instead, it takes a toll on your mental health. “One thing about being there so long, they try to break you… They’re there to break you.” That’s how Travis Hunter’s uncle described life behind bars after spending 25 years inside.
While most of us assume prison is about correction and rehabilitation, he paints a much darker picture. According to him, the system isn’t built to help anyone grow, but it’s designed to crush your spirit.
“They say you’re there for rehabilitation,” he added. “But it’s their job to break you… If you’re not strong in your mind, they’ll break you down.”
He explained that guards and the system push inmates to a breaking point, using isolation, harsh discipline, and a complete lack of emotional support. There’s no encouragement, no counseling, just survival.
As such, you either find a way to stay mentally tough or you collapse. And after two and a half decades, it’s clear he saw what that slow mental erosion can do.
Fella Hunter Shares What Saved Him in Prison
“My whole process for being there for 25 and a half years, I never let them break me,” he said.
That’s the mindset Travis Hunter’s uncle held onto throughout his long sentence. While many inmates lose themselves to the system, he refused to be one of them. He says the key was focus. Something small, yet powerful enough to keep his spirit alive even when everything else seemed lost.
Still, the journey wasn’t easy. Friends he thought would stick around vanished. People he counted on slowly faded away. However, he still believed in better days ahead and kept his head strong.
“Even though I couldn’t be with my family at times, even though I couldn’t see my son at times… I had slimmer chances of getting out, and that’s hope.”
That hope became his lifeline. It helped him push through the emotional isolation, the pain of being away from his child, and the silence from loved ones.
Now free, he urges others doing time to take prison seriously and lean into hope because that mindset might be the only thing that gets you through.
Also Read: Travis Hunter Is Elated As His Uncle Returns From Prison After 25 Years
Yes and Amen. Enjoy your beautiful freedom.