New York Jets quarterback Jordan Travis has announced his retirement from football, marking a tragic end to what was anticipated to be a promising NFL career. On Wednesday, Travis shared the news on social media, revealing that he has been advised to retire following a severe leg injury he sustained during his senior year at Florida State.
Travis, who was selected by the Jets as a fifth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, suffered his injury late in the 2023 college football season while leading the Seminoles. Despite his best efforts in the rehabilitation process, he confirmed that his leg did not heal as hoped. In his heartfelt statement, Travis expressed, “On November 18, 2023, my life took an unexpected turn. I gave everything I had to the rehab process, but despite all my efforts, my leg never responded the way we hoped.”
The New York Jets are planning to place Travis on the reserve/retired list. The 24-year-old spent his entire rookie year on the reserve/non-football injury list while focusing on recovery. It is a bittersweet conclusion to a journey that began with such promise, as Travis led Florida State to an impressive 11-0 record in his final year, accumulating 2,734 passing yards along with 20 touchdowns and only two interceptions.
Travis's remarkable performance during his final season positioned him as a strong candidate for the 2023 Heisman Trophy, where he ultimately finished fifth in the voting. However, his injury during a game against North Alabama not only impacted his draft prospects but also left Florida State in a precarious position. The Seminoles became the first undefeated Power Five conference champion to be excluded from the College Football Playoff, a decision that drew significant controversy among voters who acknowledged that Travis's injury played a crucial role in the outcome.
Despite the unfortunate circumstances, the Jets took a chance on Travis by drafting him in the fifth round. Reports from ESPN indicated that Travis's agent felt the Jets rushed his rehabilitation process, which may have contributed to his ongoing struggles with recovery. Nevertheless, there was initial optimism about his potential return for the 2025 NFL season, but it has now become clear that this will not be the case.
General manager Darren Mougey expressed his disappointment regarding Travis's situation, stating, “It is unfortunate that he was unable to get back on the field after working so hard. We support his decision and wish him only the best.” As Travis embarks on a new chapter in his life, he will need to navigate this unexpected transition away from the game he loves deeply.
