During his recent recovery, Irving wrestled with his own injuries, how much football means to him, and his own identity. “Thank you Lord I’m here I never imagined this,” Irving posted.
On Dec. 7, Irving chose to be baptized. He wore a shirt that said, “Made new,” as he affirmed that God saved his life.
“I feel like I had a rock bottom moment about two months ago, and God is the only person that I found,” Irving said before the baptism.
While Irving didn’t go into detail about his struggles, they may coincide with his injuries from Week 4.
Bucky Irving got baptized today before today’s game🙏
via: _0daviidd/IG pic.twitter.com/ZNhb33shYt
— Matthew Hewitt (@BucsTrackerNFL) December 7, 2025
After his baptism, Irving and the Buccaneers faced the Saints, where Irving rushed for 55 yards with 15 carries. The Saints won the game, 24-20.
A video of Irving being baptized has been viewed more than 1.6 million times as of this writing, and fans are commenting with their love and support.
“BY FAR the GREATEST decision he’ll ever make!” said one user named Kurt.
“You can tell he got emotional,” said Rick. “Being baptized is definitely an experience. So happy for Bucky.”
“That’s awesome!” said a user named Lisa. “I was baptized today in a later service there. Praise the Lord!!”
NFL Rookie Travis Hunter Baptized Before a Game
Hours before the Jacksonville Jaguars faced the Seattle Seahawks on Oct. 12, two-way star rookie Travis Hunter was at church. He had planned for a while to be baptized at Celebration Church in Jacksonville, Florida.
“I’m becoming a better man and leaving my old self and starting a new chapter,” said Hunter.
As he came up out of the water, Hunter showed his contagious smile, while he was moved by the moment.
RELATED: ‘It’s Sunday. It’s God’s Day’—Jacksonville Jaguars Travis Hunter Gets Baptized Hours Before Big Game
Fans have mixed reactions to gameday baptisms. Some are encouraging and supportive, while others suspect the act is simply a ploy to receive special favor from God.
“It’s Sunday. It’s God’s day,” said Hunter. “I’ve been planning to go get baptized for a minute. I changed my life over to become a better man.”
