“It’s Arrogance”: Robert Griffin III Calls Out Skip Bayless for Questioning Travis Hunter’s Baptism

Skip Bayless triggered a storm this week by questioning Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter’s decision to get baptized just hours before the game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. In a video posted on X, Bayless criticized the timing of Hunter’s baptism, suggesting it was a sign that the young star’s priorities were shifting away from football.

“There is no way Travis Hunter should’ve chosen to be baptized on the morning of a game,” Bayless said, his words getting some justification since the Jaguars lost. “He is losing interest. He is mentally checking out on the Jags.”

He went on to argue that Hunter’s actions showed he was “not really in football,” adding that the Jaguars themselves were partly responsible for the rookie’s mindset.

“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,” Bayless claimed. The remarks, understandably, drew swift backlash from across the NFL.

Robert Griffin III posted directly to Bayless on X. The former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst blasted the 73-year-old commentator’s take as disrespectful and self-righteous.

“Dear @RealSkipBayless,” Griffin wrote. “Questioning Travis Hunter’s focus and dedication to his team because he gave his life to God through baptism is not analysis. It’s arrogance. A man finding salvation doesn’t need your approval. There’s never a wrong time to dedicate your life to God. Maybe instead of critiquing baptisms, you should try one. It might wash away all those bad takes.”

After the game, Hunter clarified his intentions, explaining that his baptism was a moment of faith, not distraction. “I’ve just got to let the game come to me,” he said. “The coaches are trying to dial up some things for me. I’ve just got to continue to work and have the guys trust me.”

Hunter played both offense and defense in the Jaguars’ 20–12 loss, contrary to one of Bayless’ points of criticism. However, he was quiet offensively, finishing with just four catches for 15 yards. But on the defensive side, he made his presence felt.

Lined up at the corner, Hunter allowed only two receptions on four targets for 18 yards across 17 coverage snaps. This was another solid performance following his previous outing against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he surrendered just one catch for seven yards on three targets.

While the early results haven’t been stellar, the Heisman Trophy winner has shown steady improvement with every game. The Florida native is proving that his game is coming together, particularly on defense, where his growth has been evident week by week. His baptism, timing notwithstanding, seems to have had little to no consequence on his performance.