Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter was baptized Sunday morning at Celebration Church in Jacksonville, Florida, just hours before his team faced the Seattle Seahawks at EverBank Stadium.
Video of the 22-year-old two-way star being dunked underwater by a church minister surfaced on social media around 8 a.m. Sunday. Hunter emerged from the baptism with a smile on his face before praying with church leaders.
“It’s Sunday. It’s God’s day. I’ve been planning to go get baptized for a minute. I changed my life over to become a better man,” Hunter told reporters before the game.
A church attendee named Kristine Love captured the moment on video. She posted on Instagram that she was running late and stumbled upon the baptism.
“Couldn’t find my keys this morning and was late for church, only to come upon Jacksonville Jaguars Travis Hunter getting baptized! He asked to come get baptized before today’s game. Thank you Jesus for touching this young man’s life!” Love wrote.
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Hunter later played in Jacksonville’s 20-12 loss to Seattle. The former Heisman Trophy winner caught four passes for 15 yards and recorded two tackles.
The 2024 Heisman Trophy winner has had religious influences throughout his career. Hunter played his entire college career at Jackson State and Colorado under head coach Deion Sanders, who has been open and outspoken about his Christian faith.
“It means a lot. I’m becoming a better man and leaving my old self and starting a new chapter,” Hunter said.
Hunter was selected by Jacksonville as the second-overall pick after the team traded up with the Cleveland Browns. He signed a four-year, $46.65 million fully guaranteed contract with a $30.57 million signing bonus.