Skip Bayless Critiques Travis Hunter’s Baptism Before Game

Sports commentator Skip Bayless has spoken out about Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter, suggesting that Hunter is stepping back from football. In a lengthy video posted on Tuesday, Bayless questioned Hunter’s decision to be baptized on the same day as a game.

He stated, “It’s Sunday. Today is God’s day.”

Hunter’s baptism took place at Celebration Church, a nondenominational church in Jacksonville, just ahead of the Jaguars’ home game against the Seattle Seahawks.

In a post on social media, Bayless remarked, “There’s no way Travis Hunter would choose to be baptized the morning of a game. He’s losing interest. He’s mentally checking out on the Jags.”

Despite being a Christian himself, the 73-year-old went on to imply that the baptism indicated Hunter’s waning enthusiasm for the team. “He seemed happy to be baptized on game morning since football apparently requires less focus and preparation,” he added.

Bayless referred to Hunter’s college coach, Deion Sanders, who mentioned that the player needs ample playtime to maintain his passion for the sport, noting Hunter’s interests in video games and fishing.

While Bayless asserted that he didn’t view the baptism as a protest, he suggested Hunter’s mindset could be, “They’re not using me that much anyway, so why not get baptized?”

When questioned by reporters about his baptism, Hunter seemed surprised. “Did you get baptized this morning?” one reporter asked after the Jaguars’ loss to the Seahawks.

Hunter confirmed, saying, “Yes.” When asked why he chose to do that, he responded with a smile, “That’s a strange question. Why was I baptized?”

Another reporter followed up, inquiring about his church visit that morning. The 22-year-old succinctly explained, “Sunday. Today is God’s day. I’ve been planning to be baptized for some time. I’m trying to change my life to become a better man.”

When asked what the baptism meant to him, Hunter shared, “This means a lot. It’s about becoming a better man, leaving the old me behind, and just becoming the new Travis.”

Bayless provided statistics to back his claims regarding Hunter’s playing time, noting that he participated in 87% of offensive plays and 83% of defensive plays in his final year at Colorado, but in Jacksonville, those figures dropped to 63% and 39%, respectively.

He stated, “Given the right opportunity, Travis Hunter could completely reshape professional football as a two-way player.” Bayless emphasized that he recognized the importance of Hunter’s baptism, sharing his own experience as a Christian who recently recommitted his faith.

Bayless remarked, “I am a believer. I was baptized as an infant in the Methodist church.” However, he added a somewhat contradictory note about distancing himself from identifying as a Christian, citing concerns over its associations with extremism while expressing his faith in God and biblical teachings deeply.