It was a day that began with faith and hope for Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter — but it didn’t end quite as perfectly on the field.
Just hours before kickoff against the Seattle Seahawks, the young NFL star experienced a deeply personal moment, choosing to be baptized in front of witnesses.
Yet, later that day, an unfortunate penalty would overshadow his spiritual high.
A Public Baptism Before the Big Game
In a touching scene caught on video by a local Jacksonville resident, Hunter — the second-overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft — was baptized before Sunday’s matchup.
The clip quickly made the rounds online after an onlooker, Kristine Love, shared her experience on Instagram.
“Couldn’t find my keys this morning and was late for church, only to come upon Jacksonville Jaguars’ Travis Hunter getting baptized!” she wrote.
“He asked to come get baptized before today’s game.
Thank you, Jesus, for touching this young man’s life!”
In the video, Hunter can be seen standing in a tank of water as two people pray with him before he’s gently submerged.
The moment was particularly meaningful given how much his life has changed in the past year — since winning the Heisman Trophy last December, he’s gotten married and become a father.
A Costly Penalty Overshadows His Big Day
Unfortunately for Hunter, his baptism turned out to be the brightest moment of the day.
On the field, things didn’t go as smoothly.
The Jaguars fell 20–12 to the visiting Seattle Seahawks, with Hunter’s mistake playing a key role in the loss.
Jacksonville struggled with discipline throughout the game, racking up 10 penalties for 76 yards.
But none hurt more than Hunter’s offside call that wiped out what would’ve been a 54-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Trevor Lawrence to Brian Thomas Jr.
Referees quickly spotted that Hunter had lined up in the neutral zone, erasing what could have been a game-changing play.
“It’s an undisciplined operation at the moment,” head coach Liam Coen said after the game. “What’s standing in our way? Right now, it’s us.”
Jaguars’ Effort Falls Short Despite Late Push
Even after the setback, the Jaguars managed to find the end zone later in that same drive.
Lawrence connected with Travis Etienne on a nine-yard touchdown pass, giving the crowd something to cheer about.
Lawrence later tossed another touchdown — a 26-yarder to Tim Patrick — to close the gap, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Seattle’s lead.
The loss dropped Jacksonville to 4–2 as they prepare to face the Los Angeles Rams next week in London.
The Seahawks, also sitting at 4–2, will next host the Houston Texans on Monday night.
A Rookie Still Finding His Footing
Hunter’s performance reflected his continued adjustment to the NFL.
He finished the day with four catches for just 15 yards and contributed two tackles on defense.
It was another tough outing for the highly-touted rookie, whom the Jaguars acquired at a steep price — trading away the fifth, 36th, and 126th picks in last April’s draft, along with their 2026 first-rounder.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns, who used that fifth pick, selected defensive tackle Mason Graham from Michigan — a move that’s been earning rave reviews in Ohio so far.
Fans React with a Mix of Support and Frustration
Online, fans were quick to applaud Hunter’s spiritual decision, with many celebrating his humility and faith.
“Travis Hunter’s got both talent and humility,” one fan commented. Others chimed in with messages like “God bless this child.”
But after his costly penalty, not everyone was so forgiving. “Travis is never seeing the pearly gates,” one fan joked.
Another quipped under the baptism video on X: “Just to line up offsides and negate a touchdown.”
Eyes on London and Redemption
Despite the criticism, Hunter is keeping his focus where it belongs — on the next game.
With the team headed to London to face the Rams, he made it clear that sightseeing won’t be on his agenda.
“I’m going out there to play football, not to go sightseeing,” Hunter told reporters after Sunday’s loss.
It’s clear that while Hunter’s spiritual journey has taken a powerful turn, his football story is still being written — one play, one lesson, and perhaps one redemption at a time.