In a heartfelt announcement, quarterback Jordan Travis has conveyed to the Jets that he intends to retire from professional football. Travis, who was selected in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft as the 171st overall pick, has faced significant challenges following a serious injury to his left leg. This injury occurred during his final college game against North Alabama on November 18, 2023, a match that ultimately altered the trajectory of his career.
Standing 6-1 and weighing 200 pounds, Travis had an impressive collegiate resume, finishing fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting. During his last season at Florida State, he delivered an outstanding performance, completing 63.9% of his passes while throwing 20 touchdowns against just two interceptions, leading the Seminoles to an unblemished 11-0 record.
In a statement addressing his decision, Travis reflected on the unexpected turn his life took after the injury. “I gave everything I had to the rehab process but despite all my efforts, my leg never responded the way we hoped,” he shared. He emphasized the weight of this decision, noting that extensive discussions with doctors, medical experts, and his agent led him to the conclusion that retirement was the only viable option for him moving forward.
Travis’s journey included a determined effort to return to the field. He participated in rookie minicamp last spring but was placed on the Non-Football Injury list on July 23, 2024, as his recovery took longer than anticipated. By August 27, 2024, he found himself on the reserve/not-football list, marking a difficult period as he worked through rehabilitation.
New York Jets General Manager Darren Mougey expressed support for Travis’s decision, 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.”
A product of West Palm Beach, Florida, Travis began his collegiate career at Louisville in 2018 before transferring to Florida State after one redshirt season. As a two-year starter for the Seminoles, he is second in the school’s history for wins as a starting quarterback, boasting a record of 28-10. His prolific career includes breaking Chris Weinke’s records with 99 total touchdowns and accumulating 10,665 yards of total offense.
Over the course of 46 games, including 38 starts at Florida State, Travis threw for an impressive 8,644 yards, recorded 65 touchdowns, and had 19 interceptions. Notably, he became the first Seminoles quarterback to achieve three victories against Miami, leaving behind a remarkable legacy capped by a streak of 17 consecutive wins.
As Travis transitions from athlete to retirement, his contributions on and off the field will be remembered by fans and teammates alike. He has demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity, and while his playing days may be over, his impact on the game will undoubtedly resonate for years to come.
