Skip Bayless Critiques Travis Hunter's Game Day Baptism

Travis Hunter, the Jacksonville Jaguars standout, made headlines recently for choosing to be baptized just hours before a crucial home game. Sports commentator Skip Bayless expressed concern over this decision, suggesting it indicates a lack of focus on the field.

“There is no way Travis Hunter should’ve chosen to be baptized on the morning of a game. He is losing interest. He is mentally checking out on the Jags,” Bayless stated in a video shared on X on October 15.

Bayless attributed Hunter's apparent disengagement to the Jaguars' underutilization of his talents. “These are not normal circumstances for Travis Hunter, the football player,” he elaborated. “The Jaguars are using him so little, especially on defense where he is the most gifted — all-time gifted — that Travis Hunter is starting to lose interest.”

He further remarked, “So he was actually happy to be baptized on a gameday morning because football isn’t taking that much concentration or focus or pregame mental prep. No, not now.” While Bayless clarified that he did not view the baptism as a protest, he emphasized it as a reflection of Hunter's current mindset regarding football.

On October 12, the same day as his baptism, Hunter played against the Seattle Seahawks, contributing four receptions for 15 yards and two solo tackles in a 20-12 loss.

Despite his criticisms, Bayless praised Hunter’s potential as a two-way player, noting his background under the mentorship of Deion Sanders at Colorado. “If given the correct opportunities, Travis Hunter will revolutionize modern-day pro football as a two-way player,” he asserted. “He will be ultimately the second-best cornerback who ever played pro football to his father figure Deion Sanders.”

Bayless, who mentioned his own baptism as an infant, was careful to separate his critique from any judgment about Hunter’s choice to be baptized. “I’m so happy for him that he experienced such a special day. A rebirth,” he said. “God bless you, man. You did. This will pay huge dividends throughout your life.”

In response to inquiries about his baptism, Hunter explained, “It’s a crazy question. Why did I get baptized? It’s Sunday, it’s God’s day, and I’ve been planning to get baptized for a minute. I want to change my life, I want to become a better man.”

Hunter also conveyed patience regarding his role with the Jaguars, acknowledging a significant decrease in usage compared to his college days. “It’s very important for me to be patient,” he stated. “I’ve just got to let the game come to me. The coaches are trying to dial up some things for me. I just got to continue to just work, and just have the guys trust me because I’m doing my job every time.”

The Jaguars currently hold a 4-2 record this season and are set to face the Los Angeles Rams in London on Sunday morning.