Travis Hunter just made one of the biggest statements of his young career, and it had nothing to do with football. The Jacksonville Jaguars’ two-way rookie sensation and reigning Heisman Trophy winner was baptized ahead of Week 6, publicly embracing his Christian faith in a way he hasn’t before.
Hunter has always kept his spirituality somewhat private, mentioning God here and there without diving too deep into it. But this time he went all in. A video surfaced online early Sunday morning showing the moment at Celebration Church in Jacksonville, Florida.
MORE: Mark Sanchez mugshot released following arrest for alleged drunken stabbing incident
Hunter sits calmly as a minister places a hand on his head before lowering him into the water. He’s submerged once, comes up, and towels off—a traditional baptism that quickly caught fire across social media.
Hunter didn’t post the clip himself, but it started circulating around 8 a.m. and has already sparked plenty of conversation. The timing is interesting too, given what’s ahead for the Jaguars this week.
TRAVIS HUNTER JUST GOT BAPTIZED BEFORE TODAY’S GAME!!!!
GLORY TO YOU JESUS!
Got me praise dancing in the house, I’m ready for the game!!! pic.twitter.com/PDXbdPDmaQ
— J-Villains Podcast (@JVillainsPod) October 12, 2025
Jacksonville faces the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, and Hunter could finally break through for his first NFL career touchdown. Seattle’s secondary just got torched by rookie Emeka Egbuka, who put up seven catches for 163 yards and a score in last week’s 38-35 shootout.
Head coach Liam Coen mentioned the team plans to get Hunter more involved, so expect his number called plenty of times.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter (12) high-fives fans after the game of an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jacksonville Jaguars edged the Kansas City Chiefs 31-28. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Each week, the Jaguars seem to figure out better ways to use their two-way star. Maybe this spiritual moment sparks something special on the field.
Hunter was raised Christian, often prays during games, and referenced God during his Heisman speech. His faith isn’t just background noise, it’s at the core of who he is as a person and player.
GET MORE TOP STORIES from The Big Lead by subscribing to TBL YouTube channel
NFL: NFL Coverage Map, Week 6: What game is on in your area on Sunday?
NCAAF: College football 2025: 3 biggest headlines from Week 7
NBA: League insider warns Lakers that LeBron James will evaluate team during absence
SPORTS MEDIA: Stephen A. Smith pushes for Becky Hammon to take next step toward NBA sidelines
VIRAL: Paolo Banchero shuts down fan asking for extra points in viral preseason moment