Jessie Bates Traded to Jaguars by Falcons

“You finally get to work with Travis Hunter,” Jessie Bates III’s nephew told him over FaceTime, according to ESPN on Nov. 12, 2026.

The safety was in transit to the Jacksonville Jaguars facility at the time, completing his trade from the Atlanta Falcons.

The team documented Bates’ drive to the facility on Monday, capturing a moment where his young nephews appeared more invested in his new teammate than the trade itself. Bates, 29, said that his nephews, aged 10 and 7, follow professional football with an intensity that mirrors much older fans.

“I don’t know if my nephews will be more excited,” Bates said. “I don’t know if you guys have seen that video, but I don’t think they care that I’m here. I think they’re happy I’m just here with Travis.”

Bates expressed surprise at the children’s ability to track league developments online. He confirmed that they are expected to visit Jacksonville in the coming weeks to watch the team in person.

The excitement extends to the locker room, where Bates and Hunter will now be teammates. Hunter addressed the viral video during media availability on Thursday.

“I don’t know if you guys have seen that video, but I don’t think they care that I’m here. I think they’re happy I’m just here with Travis,” Hunter said, acknowledging the interaction with a smile. He stated he intends to provide jerseys for the children.

The trade changes the Jaguars' direction as the team looks toward the remainder of the 2026 schedule.

As the Jaguars continue season operations in Jacksonville, the organization has acquired safety Jessie Bates III in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons.