Jordan Travis Retires from NFL
The uncertainty surrounding Jordan Travis’s status has been evident for months, particularly given the Jets’ silence on the matter.
Now, the reason is clear.
The former Florida State quarterback, drafted by the Jets in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, announced his retirement from football on Wednesday.
At just 24 years old, this conclusion is a disappointing turn for Travis, who had shown significant potential before suffering a severe left leg injury.
He is retiring without having played a single NFL game, neither in the preseason nor the regular season.
Reason for Retirement
Travis’s retirement is based on medical advice following 17 months of rehabilitation for a badly injured left ankle. The injury occurred during a game against North Alabama on November 18, 2023, and resembled a hip-drop tackle.
The Jets selected Travis with the 171st pick, hoping he could eventually recover enough to serve as a backup or possibly a starter.
College Achievements
The 6-foot-1, 200-pound quarterback had a strong collegiate career, finishing fifth in Heisman Trophy voting in 2023 despite his injury. He had completed 63.9% of his passes with 20 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions, guiding Florida State to an 11-0 record at the time of his injury.
Emotional Announcement
In a heartfelt post on his X social media account, Travis described his unexpected life changes and the struggles he faced during rehabilitation. He stated, “After much prayer and consultation… I’ve been medically advised to retire from the game I love so deeply.”
Coaching Perspective
Coach Robert Saleh and interim coach Jeff Ulbrich had been cautious in their assessments of Travis’s recovery, often hinting at setbacks. New general manager Darren Mougey confirmed Travis’s retirement and expressed support for his decision.
Controversy and Challenges
Travis’s agent, Deiric Jackson, expressed criticism towards the Jets, claiming there was pressure to expedite Travis’s rehab, leading to setbacks. Despite these challenges, both Mougey and new coach Aaron Glenn were not part of the team when these issues arose.
Final Words
On Wednesday, Travis, who amassed 8,644 passing yards, 65 touchdowns, and only 19 interceptions in his college career, shared a handwritten note on X thanking the Jets for the opportunity. He expressed his disappointment with the outcome but emphasized his trust in a higher plan.
